Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
WASHINGTON-The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that more than $28 million in National Emergency Grant (NEG) funds has been awarded to 35 states, the District of Columbia and Guam, each of which could be affected by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations.
“The Department of Labor is providing these grants to help workers, who may be affected by the BRAC recommendations, gain early access to services in the public workforce investment system,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “These funds will help communities develop their transition plans and, in some instances, enhance the economic development program that will be key to helping workers and communities adjust and create new opportunities as the BRAC process moves forward.” States applied for funds in response to guidance issued by the Labor Department in late May. These Phase I planning grants will help states initiate early community planning in order to provide assistance for workers and spouses potentially affected by BRAC 2005 final actions. Funds will be used to establish local BRAC partnerships for the benefit of workers and key stakeholders. Their use will have no impact on subsequent BRAC-related recommendations or actions.
NEG funds awarded may not be used as part of a local or state initiative to prepare information or lobby to keep military installations from being on the final BRAC 2005 list. This and other Department of Labor BRAC-related activities have been made in consultation with the Department of Defense.
Community leaders, businesses, workforce professionals and workers also are encouraged to access information online through the Labor Department's BRAC Coach, located at www.brac-coach.org. This self-directed electronic tool can assist workers, businesses, and local workforce staff potentially affected by a local base realignment, expansion, or closure.
National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet certain qualifications. For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs please visit www.doleta.gov.
------------------------------- BRAC PHASE I PLANNING GRANT RECIPIENTS Alabama $ 1,000,000 Mississippi $ 250,000 Alaska $ 615,000 Missouri $ 1,000,000 Arkansas $ 1,000,000 Montana $ 76,690 California $ 1,370,000 Nebraska $ 75,000 Connecticut $ 1,000,000 Nevada $ 528,500 Florida $ 1,000,000 New Mexico $ 1,000,000 Georgia $ 1,000,000 New York $ 730,000 Hawaii $ 45,000 North Carolina $ 1,000,000 Illinois $ 1,500,000 North Dakota $ 1,000,000 Indiana $ 1,500,000 Ohio $ 1,000,000 Kansas $ 850,000 Oklahoma $ 250,000 Kentucky $ 300,000 Pennsylvania $ 1,000,000 Louisiana $ 1,000,000 South Carolina $ 500,000 Maine $ 1,273,628 South Dakota $ 1,000,000 Maryland $ 1,237,500 Texas $ 235,000 Massachusetts $ 1,000,000 Virginia $ 1,000,000 Michigan $ 221,778 Wisconsin $ 75,000 Minnesota $ 500,000 ------------------------------- District of Columbia $ 950,000 Guam $ 475,000 Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
