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October 11, 2008    DOL Home > Newsroom > News Releases   

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ETA News Release: [08/04/2008]
Contact Name: Terry Shawn or Jennifer Kaplan
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x5052
Release Number: 08-1061-ATL

U.S. Department of Labor awards $250,000 to develop strategic economic growth plans for western Kentucky

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to a nine-county area of western Kentucky and one county in Tennessee to establish plans for promoting economic growth.

"This $250,000 grant to the West Kentucky Workforce Investment Board will boost efforts to expand the region's economy and increase job opportunities for Kentucky workers," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The grant, awarded to the West Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, will be implemented by the LEED (Leadership, Education and Economic Development) Team, which includes representatives from 27 Kentucky and Tennessee organizations. The leadership group includes economic and workforce development officials, educators, employers, elected officials and the U.S. Army. The goal for the region is to increase the growth of the energy, advanced manufacturing and health care sectors.

This project will include the Kentucky counties of Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Muhlenberg, Todd and Trigg, as well as Tennessee's Montgomery County.

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 development of 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.




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