US Department of Labor grant to continue assistance for eligible workers affected by base realignment and closures in Oklahoma

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,690,122 National Emergency Grant increment to continue services to existing participants and to increase the number of workers to be trained in aerospace occupations as a result of the realignment of military installations in Oklahoma. About 885 individuals will be served under this grant.

"Today's grant will give workers affected by the base closures an opportunity to obtain training in order to enhance their marketable skills," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "As a result, these workers will be better positioned to compete for the jobs of the future."

In 2005, Oklahoma was approved for $250,000 to assist state and local workforce investment boards in conducting comprehensive and integrated locally-based strategic planning in order to facilitate a quality, timely and effective response to meet the needs of workers, communities and businesses directly or indirectly affected by the decisions of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

On Dec. 15, 2008, the state was approved for up to $3,190,122, with an initial $1.5 million released, to provide services to workers impacted by base realignments and closures. The funding being announced today represents the remaining amount of the 2008 grant..

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/.