States Get $28 Million For Brac Transitions
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced that more than $28 million in National Emergency Grant (NEG) funding 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.
National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet certain qualifications.
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