01.24.11

Cantwell, Murray Applaud Funding to Help Those Relocated to Joint Base Lewis McChord Find Jobs

Grant will help 825 military spouses and civilian defense workers relocated under BRAC find work in Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded a $4.84 million Department of Labor grant to help those relocated to Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) from closed military bases find new employment. The National Emergency Grant is being awarded to the Washington State Employment Security Department to assist about 825 military spouses and civilian defense workers impacted by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) action that closed military bases nationwide and resulted in the creation of JBLM. The majority of those affected are spouses who have left jobs to follow military spouses assigned to JBLM.
 
“One of the best welcomes we can give to those civilians impacted by military base closures and recently relocated to our great state is help finding new work,” said Senator Cantwell. “I applaud the Administration for allocating the funding needed to help hundreds of spouses of military members and civilian defense workers integrate into Washington’s workforce.”
 
“I am very pleased that the Administration has provided this critical support for the spouses of local servicemembers and civilian defense workers so they can get the training and skills they need to get back on the job,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Especially as our economy continues to struggle and JBLM continues to grow, we need to make sure that those who continue to sacrifice for their country get the support they need to prepare for new careers when bases are moved or combined.”
 
This funding will support case management, job training, and supportive services to minimize the time BRAC-impacted workers are unemployed, and assist these workers in upgrading their skills to attract potential new employers. The workers will be offered services including skills assessment, career counseling and job placement. In addition, these funds will assist the state in identifying skill gaps in new and emerging industries critical to the economic growth of the region. The Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council and Workforce Central will operate the project on the ground.
 
Of the $4,840,359 announced today, $2,103,709 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.
 
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