Apr. 13--The government has expanded eligibility for a program designed to provide medical benefits and compensation to nuclear plant workers injured by exposure to toxic substances.

The U.S. Department of Labor will hold town hall meetings on the revised Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. today at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 300 Tarentum Bridge Road, New Kensington. Similar meetings were held yesterday at the Holiday Inn Meadowland in Washington, Pa.

Labor Department spokeswoman Nancy Lee said the time period under which workers are eligible for the assistance has been expanded at several sites identified by the government as having "significant residual radioactive contamination." She said that may mean some workers who were previously denied assistance may now qualify.

Pennsylvania sites include Aeroprojects Inc., Aliquippa Forge, Jessop Steel Co., Nuclear Materials and Equipment Corp., Superior Steel Co., Vitro Manufacturing and Westinghouse Advanced Reactors.

Workers who need assistance filling out claim forms may schedule appointments following the town hall meeting or may call toll-free 1- 866-363-6993.

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