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ETA News Release: [04/02/2008]
Contact Name: Terry Shawn or Jennifer Kaplan
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x5052
Release Number: 08-0428-DAL

U.S. Department of Labor announces $250,000 grant to help Texas strategize for changes in Upper Rio Grande economy

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to help Texas' Upper Rio Grande region develop strategies to address the impact of manufacturing industry layoffs.

"Like other regions, the Upper Rio Grande is experiencing a transition in its economic base," said acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell. "The $250,000 this grant provides will supplement the development of strategies that address the shift from manufacturing and agricultural industries to a focus on other economic sectors in the region."

The grant, awarded to the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Investment Board, will lead to a regional economic development plan to support sustainable, innovation-based strategies in west Texas. The proposed project also will utilize resources from public and private sector programs to advance the region's plan.

Partners in the project include the Regional Center for Innovation and Commercialization, the Center for Entrepreneurial Development, the Hispanic Entrepreneurial Center, the University of Texas-El Paso, El Paso Community College, Western Technical College and Sul Ross State University's School of Business. The region targeted for this project includes the counties of Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio.

Regional Innovation Grants are drawn from National Emergency Grant funds. The funds are used 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. Such plans focus on aligning workforce talent development 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, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.