US Department of Labor announces nearly $55
million in green jobs training grants through Recovery Act
WASHINGTON, Nov 18, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire
U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced nearly $55
million in green jobs grants, as authorized by the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009. The grants will support job training and labor
market information programs to help workers, many in underserved
communities, find jobs in expanding green industries and related
occupations.
"Today's announcement is part of the administration's long-term
commitment to fostering both immediate economic growth and a clean
energy future. It's an investment that will help American workers do
well while doing good," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These
grants provide an immediate return, and they are part of a larger green
initiative that will help lead to increased job placements and promote
economic growth."
The two categories of grant awards announced today are: State Labor
Market Information Improvement Grants and Green Capacity Building
Grants. Both will be administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's
Employment and Training Administration.
Green Capacity Building Grants, totaling $5.8 million, will increase the
training capacity of 62 current Labor Department grant recipients
through a variety of strategies, and will offer training opportunities
to help individuals acquire jobs in expanding green industries. These
grants will help serve underserved communities. Targeted communities
include American Indians, women, at-risk youth and farm workers.
State Labor Market Information Improvement Grants, totaling $48.8
million, will support the collection and dissemination of labor market
information, and will enhance the labor exchange infrastructure to
provide career opportunities within clean energy industries. Grantees
will be able to employ strategies that enable job seekers to connect
with green job banks and help ensure that workers find employment after
completing training. Thirty awards ranging from about $763,000 to $4
million were made to state workforce agencies to utilize data for
workforce development strategies. Multiple state workforce agencies
partnering as a consortium will use this program to gather information
that is likely to have a regional, multi-state or national impact.
The grants are part of a larger Recovery Act initiative -- totaling $500
million -- for green jobs training grants designed to promote economic
growth. The Department of Labor expects to release funding for an
additional three green grant award categories over the next several
months.
For a full listing and project description of each grant recipient,
visit http://www.doleta.gov.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor
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