Spending cuts would impact East Texas army facility

Automatic military spending cuts could bring more bad news to army facilities across the country.

The army is estimating budget cuts scheduled to take effect next month will have a $15 billion dollar economic impact and affect more than 300,000 jobs nationwide.

One of the hardest hit states is Texas.

Red River Army Depot in Hooks could see a nearly 600 million dollar reduction.

If spending cuts kick in on March 1st, Defense Department officials say a majority of their civilian workers may lose one day of work per week, or 20 percent of their pay starting in April.

Earlier this year, Red River Army Depot began reducing their workforce by about 400 employees.

Depot officials say that reduction was due to the completion of workload requirements for military vehicle repairs.

A transition center was set up to help them find new employment.

Workforce Solution of Northeast Texas spokesperson Amy Poe says with more spending cuts looming they're continuing their step-up efforts to provide support. Red River Army Depot is Bowie County's largest employer.

"That's why we are working with the Texas Workforce Commission to apply for that National Emergency Grant so that we will be able to provide more services or more training to more individuals," said Poe.

Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas is hosting a job fair on April 9th at the Texarkana Convention Center.