$28 million to compensate for base closings

WASHINGTON -- The Labor Department is providing more than $28 million to 35 states, the District of Columbia and Guam to help civilian workers affected by a restructuring of military bases.

The Pentagon has proposed shutting 33 large bases and scores of smaller ones to save $48 billion over 20 years. An independent commission reviewing the proposal is expected to send a final report to the president and Congress this fall.

Labor Secretary Elaine Chao said that each state and territory that asked for a grant received some money.

We want to help those workers and communities in transition with worker-training opportunities and help communities plan ahead ... to find and create new economic opportunities," she said. "The most important thing -- we want to give people hope."

South Dakota, which may lose 411 civilian jobs, is among the recipients receiving $1 million a piece.

The recommended closing of Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota was a blow to freshman Republican Sen. John Thune. He argued during the 2004 campaign that he was in a better position to save the base than Democrat Tom Daschle, who served as Senate minority leader.

Connecticut, which faces the possible loss of 1,041 civilian jobs, also will receive a $1 million grant, as will Virginia, which could see the loss of 8,843 civilian jobs. Massachusetts, Alabama and Arkansas, which each may see civilian jobs go up, will receive $1 million a piece. Florida, which could lose slightly more than 1,000 civilian jobs, also gets a $1 million grant.

Chao said that each state and territory that asked for a grant received some money.

Hawaii, which might gain one civilian job, received the smallest grant, $45,000. Nebraska, which could lose 165 civilian jobs, and Wisconsin, which might lose 154 civilian jobs, each received $75,000.

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