The well is running dry on funding to retrain laid-off workers in the area.

About 130 people in western Wisconsin may not be able to continue job training in January through Workforce Connections unless U.S. Department of Labor provides more money, said Jerry Hanoski, executive director of the La Crosse-based office.

The nonprofit corporation receives federal funds to retrain dislocated workers and assist with job searches in 13 counties, most surrounding La Crosse County.

La Crosse's staff has a backlog of appointments, Hanoski said, and a constant stream of people seeking services. Funds likely will be drained by the end of January, at which point a waiting list will be started, he said.

"It is a demand that outstrips supply," he said.

The situation is happening across the state, with unprecedented job loss and limited funding. Executives from the state's work force investment boards met last week with state Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman to explain the need for more money, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

"We are largely subject to whatever Secretary Roberta Gassman can accomplish in pleading the case to the U.S. Department of Labor," said Hanoski.

Retraining funds have not been exhausted in La Crosse as quickly as in other parts of the state because La Crosse hasn't been hit as hard by the economic downturn, said Hanoski. La Crosse's 6.5 percent unemployment rate in August was second-lowest among the state's 12 metropolitan areas, according to Tribune archives.

Western Technical College, which provides much of the training, projects enrollment has jumped 10.5 percent compared with last year.

Grant-funded classes that build manufacturing skills filled and have waiting lists, said Patti Balacek, director of business and industry services at Western. The Computer Numerical Control class that started in September had 40 applicants for 12 slots, she said, and other programs are experiencing similar demand.

"Western has a certain capacity to help, but it is limited," she said. "As much as we would love to offer training 24 hours per day, all the time, it is not always feasible."