What You Need to Know: California is investing $3 million to support workers and small businesses impacted by the planned April 2026 closure of the Valero Benicia Refinery. The funding will provide employment services, training, and business assistance to help stabilize the regional economy and connect affected workers to new career opportunities.
SACRAMENTO — A new $3 million grant will provide valuable job support, training, and recovery assistance to hundreds of workers as well as local businesses impacted by the upcoming closure and relocation of the Valero Benicia Refinery. The Employment Development Department (EDD) is awarding the funds to the Workforce Development Board of Solano County (WDB) to deliver the services where they’re needed most.
This investment ensures workers and businesses affected by the Valero refinery closure have access to timely assistance, helping people transition into new opportunities and supporting economic stability in the region.
The Solano County WDB will provide Rapid Response services that includes career planning, job search assistance, and training opportunities. Some participants will receive career technical training, while others will engage in work-based learning opportunities. Apprenticeship pathways in skilled trades—including plumbers and pipefitters, electricians, laborers, and sheet metal workers—will be emphasized.
The initiative also includes layoff aversion efforts and small business support. In partnership with the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center, affected businesses can access personalized consulting and financial assistance to retain employees and sustain operations.
Since 2023, California has awarded nearly $27 million to help workers in the oil and gas industries through the Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Fund.
Courtesy of Valero
Built in 1968, the refinery became a cornerstone of Solano County and one of Benicia’s largest employers. This grant will support refinery workers, nearby manufacturing and distribution industries, and other businesses that played a key role in sustaining refinery operations.
Key Partners including the Solano County WDB, Solano-Napa SBDC, local officials, labor groups, and workforce agencies will collaborate to deliver coordinated services and outreach.
“Solano County is grateful for the support and eager to assist our highly skilled workers as they transition into quality new jobs and careers,” said David Hubble President & CEO of the Workforce development Board of Solano County. “We remain committed to helping the workers and businesses affected by the refinery closure find a strong path forward.”
For more information on services related to the Valero Benicia Refinery closure, contact the Workforce Development Board of Solano County.
This award is 100 percent federally funded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) National Dislocated Worker Grant – Additional Assistance program.