US Department of Labor announces grant increment to assist workers impacted by base realignments and closures throughout Texas

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a $3,058,366 National Emergency Grant increment to continue providing re-employment services to about 1,450 individuals affected by the realignments and closures of military facilities throughout Texas. These facilities include Fort Bliss in El Paso, Fort Hood in Kileen, the Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant and the Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, and multiple bases in San Antonio.

"Today's grant award will provide crucial job placement assistance, skills training and other re-employment services to help workers launch new careers," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "When base realignments and closures lead to job losses for those who support our military communities, it is our government's responsibility to assist these workers on their path toward new opportunities."

On March 1, 2011, a National Emergency Grant was approved for up to $6,116,896, with $3,058,530 released initially, to serve military personnel and their spouses who were impacted by the decisions of the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, as well as local dislocated workers needed to fill critical labor shortages in communities experiencing growth due to base realignment and closure actions. Today's increment, awarded to the Texas Workforce Commission, completes the total grant amount.

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/.