U.S. Department of Labor Awards $250,000 Grant to Upper Peninsula Region to Establish Long-term Economic Development Plans

Press Release

Project includes 17 northern Michigan and Wisconsin counties

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to help the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) region of Michigan and nearby Wisconsin establish economic development plans that create long-term sustainable growth and employment opportunities.

"Leaders of the Upper Peninsula are collaborating to establish economic and education projects that offer area workers good career opportunities and promote business growth," said acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell. "The U.P.'s economic development plans will ensure that workers are being trained to stay competitive for 21st century careers."

The Upper Peninsula region includes 17 counties in northern Michigan and Wisconsin. This project will include Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft counties in Michigan, and Florence and Marinette counties in Wisconsin.

The grant, awarded to the Six County Employment Alliance in Escanaba, Mich., will be led by U.P. Vision, which includes representatives from the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Alliance, the Upper Peninsula Workforce Board, Michigan Economic Development Corp., Michigan Skills Alliance, the Upper Menominee River Area Alliance, higher education institutions and the secondary education system.

Regional Innovation Grants are drawn from National Emergency Grant funds to assist state workforce agencies and local workforce investment boards, as well as their key partners, in the design and development of strategic regional plans focused on talent development aligned with the demands of the 21st century economy.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.

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