INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana has won a $4 million federal grant to lead an effort with Michigan and Ohio to help laid-off autoworkers find jobs in the renewable-energy industry and related occupations.

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the grant Wednesday to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development as part of $55 million in green jobs grants announced nationwide.

The Indiana agency will work on the joint effort with the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.

The three agencies will identify the skills and practices idled autoworkers will need to compete for jobs in green industries, and what's needed for a more efficient auto industry.

"The Midwest has bore the brunt of the upheaval in the domestic automobile industry," said Teresa Voors, DWD commissioner. "This tri-state partnership will help the automakers and autoworkers in our states arm themselves with the best practices and skills needed to flourish."

The three states expect to present their findings and recommendations in 2011.