29 June 2005

Kansas Receives Grants to Assist in BRAC Related Transition Planning

Lieutenant Governor John Moore announced today the United States Department of Labor has approved an $850,000 National Emergency Grant to help Kansas begin early planning for local communities affected by this year’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process recommendations.

“This grant will enable Parsons and Labette County to plan for efficient and effective reuse of 14,000 acres if the Department of Defense recommendation to close the Kansas Army Ammo Plant is accepted by the BRAC Commission,” said Lt. Governor John Moore, Chairman of the Governor’s Strategic Military Planning Commission. “In addition this grant will allow the communities around Fort Riley to build a stable foundation to accommodate the unparallel growth which is expected at Fort Riley.”

Lt. Governor Moore called local, state, and Congressional leaders together to complete the application for $350,000 for the Fort Riley transition and $500,000 to assist the Parsons area planning endeavors.

“I am very pleased that the Department of Labor has decided to help the Fort Riley and Parsons communities prepare for the challenges they will face as the result of the decisions recently announced by the Department of Defense,” Sen. Sam Brownback said. “I will continue working to ensure that the federal government does its part to ease these transitions as much as possible.”

The grant, which will be administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, will allow the Agency to begin workforce-related planning in a number of communities affected by BRAC 2005, particularly the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant at Parsons and Fort Riley.

“The BRAC recommendations offer great opportunities for our state,” said Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS).  “We’ll see a significant increase in the number of military personnel who will call Kansas home.  At the same time, Parson and the surrounding communities will also benefit from the funds, which will be used to attract new industries and opportunities. This is an important step forward.”

National Emergency Funds are discretionary grants awarded by the Department of Labor to provide employment and training assistance intended to temporarily expand service capacity at the state and local levels by providing time-limited assistance in response to significant dislocation events.

"I am pleased to have helped in securing this funding which will assist the City of Parsons in this time of transition.  I will continue to work with the communities, as well as our State and Federal leaders, as the BRAC process moves forward so that it can benefit all parties involved,” said Representative Jim Ryun. “I am also pleased that this funding will help Fort Riley and the surrounding communities plan for the new soldiers and their families who will be arriving as a result of the new brigade and the BRAC process."

Lt. Governor Moore stated, “I am very pleased by the total team effort put forth by local officials, state government and our Congressional delegation in securing these important grants.  Once again, we see that when Kansans work together, across geographic and political lines, we can accomplish a great deal.”