Home Information Sharing & Analysis Prevention & Protection Preparedness & Response Research Commerce & Trade Travel Security Immigration
About the Department Open for Business Press Room
Current National Threat Level is elevated

The threat level in the airline sector is High or Orange. Read more.

Homeland Security 5 Year Anniversary 2003 - 2008, One Team, One Mission Securing the Homeland

Federal Coordinator Douglas O’Dell Announces $7.5 Million Grant for Workforce Training

Release Date: November 13, 2008

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: Rebecca S. Cotton, 202-325-0197

New Orleans – General Douglas O’Dell, federal coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, today announced a $7.5 million grant through the U.S. Department of Labor for training workers for the high-skill, high-wage jobs New Orleans will provide in its growing economy.

“This grant clearly reflects the commitment of President Bush and U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to the rebuilding of New Orleans,” said O’Dell. “Secretary Chao has long recognized the enormous value in providing opportunities for American workers to develop and update skills for the changing economy.”

Through the support of the U.S. Department of Labor, local leaders have identified industries that are ripe for growth and expansion, which include advanced manufacturing, petro-chemical and alternative energy, international trade and the creative arts.

This grant, which will be administered through the Louisiana Workforce Commission, will help to train people across Southeast Louisiana in these key industries in order to attract the high-wage, high-skill jobs that are so critical not only for the long-term sustainability of the area but for improving people’s lives.

O’Dell commended Governor Jindal for his leadership in transforming the workforce delivery system in Louisiana. O’Dell said, “Governor Jindal is working tirelessly to make important changes in the way Louisiana does business to build a stronger future for New Orleans and the entire state.”

This grant is in addition to the $400 million the U.S. Department of Labor has provided to the Gulf Coast since hurricane Katrina.

The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding has been engaged in facilitating and streamlining the recovery effort, providing key federal support and resources to state and local leaders, as well as reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to the people of the Gulf Coast.

www.dhs.gov/gulfcoastrebuild

# # #

This page was last reviewed/modified on November 13, 2008.