Federal stimulus money will soon arrive in Rhode Island to support job-training programs for minorities and women on state transportation projects.

Rhode Island, which will receive $350,000, is among 14 states that will receive grants from the On-the-Job Training Supportive Services grants.

“We will use our funds for recruitment and an awareness campaign to expand the number of trainees currently participating in transportation projects,” said Vanessa Crum, administrator of business and community resources at the state Department of Transportation.

Crum said the DOT will work with community-based organizations, particularly to move minorities and women who may have some training into full apprenticeships.

“If we can get folks working, it’s a good thing,” Crum said.

Crum said that the state reimburses contractors for a share of the wages paid to women and minorities in training programs. The apprentice programs are tied to federally funded projects and must be approved by the Department of Labor, Crum said. They include about 50 projects under way in Rhode Island using federal stimulus funds.

“Providing individuals with the job-training skills they need is key to keeping our highway system up and running,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in statement. “These training programs will help ensure that the American highway system has able stewards for years to come.”

rsalit@projo.com