As BRAC enters its final phase, Maryland officials are looking for ways to ensure that job seekers are prepared to capitalize on the new opportunities that the program has brought to the area. Maryland has been awarded a $7.66 million National Emergency Grant to implement new programs for job seekers affected by BRAC. The state estimates that 6,500 people including Department of Defense civilian employees, contractors, and military spouses have been impacted by the BRAC program.
The grant is designated to fund state programs that help job seekers navigate the Federal employment system, land Federal jobs, and update their skills through training for jobs that have been brought to Maryland through BRAC. Money from the National Emergency Grant will be disbursed to employment programs administered by the Department of Labor Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning. Funding will go to Maryland One Stop Employment Centers in 18 Maryland counties and Baltimore City. The Maryland Workforce Corporation will also be involved, distributing funds to the District of Columbia as part of the grant.
BRAC is expected to create thousands of jobs in Maryland, starting as early as September of this year. The state estimates that BRAC will create 20,000 direct Federal jobs in Maryland. State officials estimate that 40,000 more jobs will be created in Maryland by 2015 through growth from BRAC and related industries.
Writer: Amy McNeal
Source: The Office of The Lieutenant Governor of Maryland