Nevada Gov. Guinn announces $528,500 grant for HAWTHORNE ARMY DEPOT

Nevada Gov. Guinn announces $528,500 grant for HAWTHORNE ARMY DEPOT 
 
CARSON CITY Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn announced today that Nevada has received a $528,500 National Emergency Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor as a precautionary measure in case the Department of Defense closes the Hawthorne Army Depot.

This grant application is by no means a concession in our effort to preserve the Hawthorne Army Depot, which is so vital to Mineral County’s economy, Gov. Guinn said. Last week in Clovis, N.M., I told the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) that I strongly disagreed with their recommendation to close the army depot in Hawthorne and that the process in which the commission reached its decision was flawed.

However, early intervention and planning for a worst-case scenario is a responsible step to take.

The $528,500 early planning grant will be administered by Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. Birgit Baker, department director, said Gov. Guinn directed her department to apply for the grant in early June.  She said the funds would be funneled through the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board to conduct a community survey and impact analysis, and to craft an economic diversity plan for the region. 

The Governor said being proactive by utilizing the emergency grant funds to craft a plan for Hawthorne’s future economic diversification is the wise action to take. If the base escapes closure Hawthorne will have an updated plan for broadening its economic base.

U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, said the Department of Labor allocated more than $28 million in emergency grants to 35 states, the District of Columbia and Guam, each of which could be affected by the 2005 BRAC recommendations.  “These funds will help communities develop their transition plans and, in some instances, enhance the economic development program that will be key to helping workers and communities adjust and create new opportunities as the BRAC process moves forward.”