Iowa Workforce Development announced that four regions of the state, including Polk County, will share a National Dislocated Worker Grant totaling more than $2.86 million to assist 173 dislocated workers affected by the flooding across Iowa earlier this year. The U.S. Department of Labor awards the grants to fund employment and training assistance as directed by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. In addition to supporting temporary employment solutions for dislocated workers, the grant also assists with recovery efforts within local communities affected by the flooding, said Beth Townsend, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Local areas can use the grant to support participant wages, supportive services, and worksite supplies, which help participants stay connected to employment opportunities in their region,” Townsend said.