On Thursday the White House's auto recovery leader said that the federal government will give $50 million in grants to car manufacturing communities to be used to train laid-off workers for jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. In addition, the funds will provide job counseling and placements services.

Ed Montgomery, President Obama's director of recovery for auto communities and workers said:

"American workers are the best in the world, and they have been hard hit by changes in the auto industry. This funding will help workers gain new skill sets that build upon their manufacturing experience."

The $50 million is a part of the $500 million which has been provided by the federal stimulus law.

In order to qualify for the money, a community must have a motor vehicle manufacturer or supplier and have experienced significant layoffs. Details of the program, including application deadlines, are expected to be released in June.

Montgomery is currently touring the state of Ohio with stops in Dayton and Toledo on Thursday, and Twinsburg on Friday.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland said of the stimulus money:

"This is a critical step toward getting victims of the national recession back to work in high-growth industries. We are grateful that the Obama administration recognizes the importance of investing in today's work force to better prepare them for the jobs of the future."