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Dept. of Labor Grant to Montana

April 9th, 2008 Posted by Amelia

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to Montana to develop strategic plans that move the regional economy from a declining base in timber to high growth industries that offer workers better employment opportunities.

Activities to be conducted through this project will include the development of regional leadership initiatives as well as social network and regional asset mapping studies. Through these activities, Montana will identify which high growth industries to target for longer-term economic development efforts.

“With the nature of the area’s economy changing, western Montana is ready to focus on new ways to advance the region’s economy,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Douglas F. Small. “Montana will use this $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to develop strong economic strategies that offer workers good employment opportunities in growing industries.”

The grant, awarded to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Workforce Services Division, will assist the state in conducting extensive economic and leadership analysis. This analysis will lead to the development of strategic plans geared toward high growth industries.

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.

A number of grants have been awarded in 2008. These include a $5.5 million grant for laid-off workers in the mortgage industry in California. Another grant benefits workers in Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas. Still another grant to Iowa will benefit workers laid off from the John Deere & Co. factories there.

A unique grant to Minnesota will help that state develop a strategy for economic growth in the counties bordering Wisconsin, in collaboration with Wisconsin.

When the U. S. Department of Labor determines that laid off workers are affected by federal trade policies, a Trade-WIA Dual Enrollment grants can be awarded. The layoffs must affect more than 50 workers and can be either single company or multiple company actions.

Businesses sometimes form a partnership with government and non-profit agencies. These partnerships could qualify for a Regional Innovation grant. These grants often boost local economy by providing training in new industries to laid-off employees.

Over the last couple of years, Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has awarded several NEG (National Emergency Grants). Displaced workers in Lamar, Missouri were awarded close to $ 1.1 million in 2007 after the O’Sullivan Industries plant closed. Twenty counties in southern Illinois received a $250,000 grant for a new program, SI WORKS, to improve job opportunities and economic development.

NEGs are awarded at the discretion of the Labor Secretary for “significant dislocation events”. The purpose of the NEGs is to temporarily expand state and local service levels by providing time-limited funding. For example, when a plant closes or lays off personnel and that creates assistance beyond what the state can provide that state can apply for an Emergency Grant. To qualify, the state must include any discretionary funds in its state’s resources.

Different grants are awarded for different purposes. Regular NEG grants may be awarded when a layoff (from a single company or from multiple companies) affects 50 or more employees. These grants are also available when fewer than 50 layoffs negatively affect a rural or small community. Industry-wide layoffs in a region would also be covered by regular NEGs.

Areas affected by blizzards, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes or other disasters are eligible for Disaster grants.

Trade-Health Coverage Infrastructure grants help eligible employees keep their healthcare insurance. To be awarded this grant, workers must be eligible for TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance) or TRA (Trade Realignment Assistance).

Information regarding grant policies is available from several state and local employment agencies. To ensure that funds will be available, a community in need should being the grant process as soon as possible.