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

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $2,497,927 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to Maine to continue to provide services to hundreds of federal civilian and secondarily-impacted workers affected by a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) action.

"Working families need and deserve our support. This grant will ensure Mainers impacted by base realignment and closures continue to have access to important services. That includes job placement assistance, skills training and other re-employment aid, which will help them successfully transition to careers in promising industries, said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

These supplemental funds, awarded to the Maine Department of Labor, will continue the delivery of re-employment assistance to some of the original 300 workers and will provide services to an additional 400 workers. The grant 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 and job placement.

On Feb. 1, 2008, the department awarded a $2 million National Emergency Grant to the state to begin serving workers impacted by the closing and layoffs at Naval Air Station Brunswick (NASB).

The $2,497,927 awarded today will continue the timely and effective response in meeting the needs of the workers and communities directly or indirectly impacted by the closure of NASB.

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/.