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ETA News Release: [02/01/2008]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Terry Shawn
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 08-0111-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces $2 million grant to help Maine respond to impacts caused by Base Realignment and Closure actions

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2 million grant to Maine to assist in continued planning to address the civilian impacts of 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions affecting Naval Air Station Brunswick (NASB) located in Brunswick, Maine. The grant also will enable the state to begin providing services to approximately 300 civilian workers affected by the closure of NASB.

"This $2 million grant will provide valuable re-employment resources to help these Maine workers find new jobs," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "Funds will also be available to assist the Brunswick area's ongoing efforts to develop new opportunities for workers and advance community redevelopment."

On June 30, 2005, Maine was awarded $1,273,628 to begin addressing the workforce and economic issues caused by the closing of NASB. Through that effort, the state formed the Economic Redevelopment, Re-employment and Business Support office to provide guidance around the 2005 BRAC actions.

The grant announced today is being awarded to the Maine Department of Labor. Along with continued planning, the project will begin providing affected workers with re-employment services to include assessment, career counseling and case management.

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 www.doleta.gov/NEG.