Gianforte Statement of Administration's Reversal of Plans for Closures, Transfers of Civilian Conservation Centers

Press Release

Congressman Greg Gianforte released the following statement following the Administration's announcement today to reverse its decision calling for closures and agency transfers in the Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center (CCC) program:

"This is a welcomed decision by the administration and good news for Montana," Gianforte said. "Thousands of young Montanans learn valuable skills through the Civilian Conservation Corps programs at Anaconda and Trapper Creek. Many of those are at-risk youth and the Job Corps program provides them with an opportunity to overcome their challenges and have success in their lives. CCC's play an important role in rural states like Montana helping the U.S. Forest Service train wildfire and natural disaster first-responders and fulfill its mission.

"I'm thankful the administration responded to our requests and reversed its decision. It's the right thing to do," said Gianforte.

Background:

On May 24, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the closure or transfer of 25 Job Corps centers. Under the plan, the Anaconda Job Corps center would be closed, and the Trapper Creek Job Corps center transferred to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

On June 1, Gianforte spoke with U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta by phone urging him to keep the Anaconda Job Corps training center open.

On June 5, Gianforte and U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester wrote a letter urging the Trump administration to stop the closures of Civilian Conservation Centers nationally, and to ensure they all remain under the Department of Agriculture.

On June 12, Gianforte and a bipartisan group of lawmakers offered amendments to spending bills to prevent the USDA and DOL from carrying out the closures and privatizations.

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