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ETA News Release: [02/21/2008]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Terry Shawn
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 08-0231-CHI

U.S. Department of Labor announces $250,000 grant to Minnesota to develop interstate economic development strategies with Wisconsin

Project will assist 17-county region of both states

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to Minnesota to align economic development resources and establish structured economic strategies that create common goals for the 17-county region of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

"Forestry and mining industry declines have hit this region's workforce hard over the last decade, so it is important that the area's economic goals are set up to address this issue," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Douglas F. Small. "This $250,000 grant will support analysis of the region's infrastructure and economic assets, and help develop viable strategies that create good employment opportunities for workers."

The grant, awarded to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's Workforce Partnership Division, will allow northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin to maximize the effectiveness of a newly established leadership group formulating economic goals and strategies focused on the needs of growing industries.

The project includes the Minnesota counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis and the Wisconsin counties of Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor and Washburn.

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.