US Department of Labor provides grant to assist dislocated workers and military spouses impacted by Base Realignment and Closure actions in Texas

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $6,116,896 National Emergency Grant to assist about 1,450 workers impacted by 2005 Base Realignment and Closure actions that resulted in multiple military base realignments in Texas. The grant will provide retraining and re-employment services to dislocated workers as well as military spouses.

"Civilian defense workers and military spouses are important players in maintaining the security of our nation," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "When their jobs disappear as a result of base realignments, it is our government's responsibility to provide services that will put them on a path toward new work opportunities."

Awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, this grant will be operated by the Alamo Workforce Development Board, Central Texas Workforce Development Board, North East Texas Workforce Development Board and Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board. Realignments at the affected military installations covered under this grant began in 2007 and will continue through Sept. 15, 2011.

Of the $6,116,896 announced today, $3,058,530 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

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/.