Dept of Labor Helps NJ Deal with Lost Jobs from Base Closing

This country spends a lot on defense (about $685.1 billion in 2010, or about 20 percent of the federal budget).  So, if possible, the U.S. Department of Defense should be encouraged, where possible, to cut costs.  For instance, closing a military base that is deemed unnecessary.

Of course, that is a politically difficult thing to do.  Military bases bring jobs and commerce to local economies.  To close a military base can lead to higher local unemployment and significant loss of revenue to the local economy and the state.  These are some of the problems that have faced Monmouth County with the closing of Fort Monmouth.  The closing was announced in 2005, but is only now in its final stages.  In order to help with the loss of jobs, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1.5 million National Emergency Grant incremental award to assist workers affected by the closure of Fort Monmouth in New Jersey. Under this grant, about 1,345 workers to be dislocated between now and September 2011 will be provided with training and re-employment services over the next year.

“The Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission must make difficult choices to reorganize defense facilities. Those choices impact not only military personnel but the entire community surrounding a base,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The Labor Department is committed to providing the funding necessary for individuals affected by base closings to update their skill sets and find new employment.”

Awarded to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, today’s increment of $1.5 million brings the total amount of funding by the Labor Department related to Fort Monmouth base realignment and closure actions to $3,803,164. In 2006 and 2007, the state was approved for a total of $803,164 to develop a strategic plan addressing both the workforce and economic issues related to the closing of Fort Monmouth. On Nov. 18, 2008, the state was approved for funding in the amount of $3 million, with $1.5 million released initially, to begin providing services to BRAC-impacted workers. The increment being announced today represents the other half of that $3 million award.