WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to Montana to develop strategic plans that move the regional economy from a declining base in timber to high growth industries that offer workers better employment opportunities. 

“With the nature of the area’s economy changing, western Montana is ready to focus on new ways to advance the region’s economy,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Douglas F. Small.  “Montana will use this $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to develop strong economic strategies that offer workers good employment opportunities in growing industries.”

The grant, awarded to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Workforce Services Division, will assist the state in conducting extensive economic and leadership analysis.  This analysis will lead to the development of strategic plans geared toward high growth industries.

Additional activities to be conducted through this project will include the development of regional leadership initiatives as well as social network and regional asset mapping studies.  Through these activities, Montana will identify which high growth industries to target for longer-term economic development efforts.

Regional Innovation Grants are drawn from National Emergency Grant funds to assist state workforce agencies and local workforce investment boards, as well as their key partners, in the design and development of comprehensive and strategic regional plans focused on talent development that is aligned with the demands of the 21st century economy.

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 on National Emergency Grants, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.