Federal job-loss benefits will be awarded to workers dismissed by Federal-Mogul Corp. in Blacksburg and Xaloy in Pulaski, U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher said Tuesday.

A news release said the benefits will go to workers dismissed on or after May 19, 2008, for Federal-Mogul and June 2, 2008, for Xaloy.

It will consist primarily of financial assistance.

Boucher's office did not say how many laid-off workers might qualify.

Federal-Mogul spokeswoman Paula Silva said in March that the Blacksburg plant was laying off 25 employees at that time in addition to 25 people laid off in November and December of 2008. Silva cited a depressed market for the powertrain sealing and bearings products the plant makes for vehicles.

-- Jeff Sturgeon