AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. John Baldacci said Wednesday that the state will move ahead with contingency plans to try to smooth the transition for workers whose livelihoods are linked to the Brunswick Naval Air Station.
Similar efforts, if necessary, will be directed at the Defense Finance Accounting Service center in Limestone, whose fate was still undecided, he said.
Maine is currently drawing on $1 million from the U.S. Labor Department to prepare for the potential displacement of workers, according to administration officials. The state Labor Department is expected to apply for an additional national emergency grant, perhaps 10 times larger, by Sept. 15.
Baldacci also said the state would establish a cabinet-level Office of Redevelopment and Re-employment to coordinate the response to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission´s action.
"We´re going to jump-start the transition," the governor told reporters at the State House following the commission´s vote to close the Brunswick base.
Worker training could begin two years in advance of actual job losses, Baldacci said, pledging to involve the state university system, the community college system, the Maine Department of Education and the Finance Authority of Maine.
Additionally, Baldacci said the Maine State Housing Authority would set aside funding for affordable housing assistance and that on Jan. 1 enrollment in the state´s Dirigo Health program would be open to all individuals.
"Mainers are resourceful people," Baldacci said, expressing optimism that the state could turn disappointment into opportunity if the proposed military downsizing comes to pass.
In the case of Brunswick, he said the base closing commission "made the wrong decision."
The administration was preparing an executive order designed to set up an advisory council made up of state, regional and local leaders. The order was also meant to empower local redevelopment authorities, officials said.
Also being eyed were options for directing jobs and transportation bond funds to stimulate economic development in areas affected by base closings.
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