US Labor Department provides assistance for District of Columbia and Maryland workers impacted by base realignments and closures

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $7,666,392 National Emergency Grant to assist about 6,530 U.S. Department of Defense civilian workers, contractors and military spouses impacted by the realignments and closures of military facilities in the District of Columbia and Maryland.

This group includes workers impacted by the closing of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and relocation of the Naval Criminal Investigative Services from the district, as well as those who may be affected by the expansion of activities at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Andrews Air Force Base, Fort Detrick, Fort Meade and the National Naval Medical Center in Maryland.

"When a military facility closes or relocates it impacts both military families and local civilians," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will help prepare affected workers for jobs in growing industries, especially the jobs that will be created by the expansion of military facilities in nearby areas."

Awarded to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, the grant will fund strategies to minimize the time these Base Realignment and Closure-impacted workers are unemployed, as well as provide services to help them upgrade their skills and obtain jobs that support the growth of several military installations. Services that will be offered include assessment, counseling, case management, job training, job development, job placement and follow-up. The Maryland agency will enter into an agreement with the district to provide funding to assist workers who reside there.

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/.