Ruppersberger and Team Maryland
Announce $4 Million for Maryland Workforce to Prepare for BRAC

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) is pleased to announce together with “Team Maryland” that $4 million dollars in federal funding has been secured for the Maryland Department of Labor to help the state’s workforce prepare for the estimated 40,000 to 60,000 new workers heading to Maryland through the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.  The money is part of the Workforce Investment Act National Emergency Grant.  The Susquehanna Workforce Network will use the money to allow workers, businesses, and communities across the state access to employment and training services to plan and implement an effective strategy for BRAC.   

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) joined Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), Representatives Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-MD), Albert Wynn (D-MD), Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and John Sarbanes (D-MD) in securing these funds.

"It is critically important that Maryland is ready for the influx of new workers that will be soon be heading here through BRAC.  Grants like this help us invest in workers and businesses so we are ready for the future and the exciting opportunities that are ahead of us," said Congressman C.A Dutch Ruppersberger, a Member of the House Appropriations Committee. 

"My promises made to BRAC-impacted communities are promises kept.  BRAC brings opportunities, but it also brings great challenges. We must now work together to help Maryland address the increased demands on our workforce and our communities," said Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD).  "We fought to win BRAC as Team Maryland, and we will fight to make sure Maryland communities have what they need in the federal checkbook to implement the BRAC decisions."

"BRAC will have an enormous impact on Maryland, and this grant will enable the State to plan effectively for the new jobs and skills that will be required by this expanded mission," said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD).  "It will provide funding for workforce investment that will meet the future needs of employers."

"These grant funds will go a long way in helping the region prepare for the economic growth and job expansion expected as a result of BRAC and address some of the challenges that such an economic influx poses," stated Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

"BRAC is expected to be the most significant economic development phenomenon in Maryland since World War II and is projected to bring 40,000 to 60,000 new jobs to our state over the next decade," said Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), a Member of House Armed Services Committee.  "This grant will help support the workers and businesses that will be affected by the changes that BRAC will bring."

"I am pleased that the State of Maryland will receive this funding," said Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).  "These funds will be vital to helping workers and communities adjust and create new opportunities as the BRAC process moves forward.  Our future prosperity demands that we provide workers with education and skills to compete in a global economy."
 
"BRAC is forcing us to do the sort of planning and forward thinking that we should be doing anyway," said Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD).  "These critical federal resources will help ensure that Maryland is prepared to carry out this important work while maintaining environmental integrity and a high quality of life in our communities."

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