US Department of Labor announces $2.5 million grant to Texas to continue to aid workers impacted by Base Realignment and Closure actions

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $2.5 million National Emergency Grant increment to Texas to continue to provide services to approximately 1,472 military and civilian defense workers impacted statewide by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions.

"Few are more deserving of our support than our men and women in uniform, and the civilian workers who support them," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant will continue to provide workers with job placement assistance, skills training and other re-employment services to help them secure new jobs and strive through the changes brought on by BRAC."

This second and final grant increment, awarded to the Texas Department of Workforce Services, will fund strategies to minimize the time BRAC-impacted workers are unemployed and assist them in upgrading their skills to attract potential employers. These workers will be offered services including assessment, counseling, case management, job training, job development, relocation assistance, job placement and follow-up. Additional services will be provided based on individual needs and local labor market conditions.

In both 2005 and 2007, the Labor Department awarded National Emergency Grants to the state relating to the BRAC actions. On Dec. 2, 2008, the state was approved for up to $5 million in supplemental funding, with $2.5 million released initially, to continue the implementation of re-employment and training activities to affected workers.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.