Local officials get $520K for BRAC prep

State grant to be used to study work force development

Thursday, June 22, 2006

From staff reports

Huntsville Times

The state of Alabama is providing $520,782 in grant funds to help Huntsville-Madison County officials plan for coming growth spurred by BRAC, Gov. Bob Riley's office announced Wednesday.

The grant awarded to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce is to be used for planning and study to address expected labor force demands prompted by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's decision last year to move three major U.S. Army commands to Redstone Arsenal.

Many of the estimated 4,700 announced jobs are expected to be vacant. The grant-funded study will be aimed at figuring out what needs to be done for work force preparation and development, said Brian Hilson, CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce

Riley awarded the grant from funds made available from the U.S. Department of Labor, for BRAC-impacted communities.

"Alabama's local, state and federal leaders worked hard to bring these jobs to Redstone," Riley said. "Local communities are going to have the state's help in getting ready.

"Only by ensuring that area workers are prepared to fill these high-tech positions can we maximize the economic benefits for Alabamians."



Local officials get $520K for BRAC prep State grant to be used to study work force development Thursday, June 22, 2006 From staff reports Huntsville Times The state of Alabama is providing $520,782 in grant funds to help Huntsville-Madison County officials plan for coming growth spurred by BRAC, Gov. Bob Riley's office announced Wednesday. The grant awarded to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce is to be used for planning and study to address expected labor force demands prompted by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's decision last year to move three major U.S. Army commands to Redstone Arsenal. Many of the estimated 4,700 announced jobs are expected to be vacant. The grant-funded study will be aimed at figuring out what needs to be done for work force preparation and development, said Brian Hilson, CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Riley awarded the grant from funds made available from the U.S. Department of Labor, for BRAC-impacted communities. "Alabama's local, state and federal leaders worked hard to bring these jobs to Redstone," Riley said. "Local communities are going to have the state's help in getting ready. "Only by ensuring that area workers are prepared to fill these high-tech positions can we maximize the economic benefits for Alabamians." © 2006 The Huntsville Times © 2006 al.com All Rights Reserved.