Chicago Gets Green with Stimulus Money
Chicago will see 80 new green jobs coming to the city thanks to funding from ARRA. According to an article from Examiner.com, OAI, Inc. received a $500,000 grant to train new workers for green jobs through the EPA Brownfield Job Training Program. On July 23, the U.S. EPA awarded $7.4 million in stimulus money to Illinois for clean-up of underground petroleum leaks in the state.

The Chicago Department of Community Development (DCD) is accepting proposals for a year-round training/work experience program targeting the formerly incarcerated. The Deconstruction Work Services and Training Program project period runs from October 1 through March 31, 2012. Eligible applicants must be able to design their own comprehensive job training program that includes both work experience and exposure to the deconstruction field for the formerly incarcerated program participants. Respondents to this request for proposals will train program participants in deconstruction techniques, safety standards and operation of major tools like pallet jacks and reciprocating saws. The work experience expected from each proposal can include processing building materials for recycling and reuse and the salvaging of surface items from buildings scheduled for destruction, among other deconstruction tasks. RFP submissions are due by September 10.