Press Release
U.S. Commerce Department Announces $1.5 Million Investment to Construct Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Elkton, Kentucky
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Monday, September 9, 2013
WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to Todd County, Kentucky, to construct an advanced manufacturing training facility in the city of Elkton. The EDA investment is expected to generate 110 new jobs and $3.5 million in additional private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“This $1.5 million investment is an example of the Obama administration’s commitment to supporting advanced manufacturing, which helps America stay innovative and competitive,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA grant announced today will provide Todd County with the critical infrastructure it needs to ensure its residents have access to training programs for good-paying advanced manufacturing jobs.”
The EDA investment supports the construction of a new 15,000-square-foot training facility that will equip individuals with the skills needed to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing. Todd County suffered severe economic dislocation to its primarily agricultural-based economy due to flooding, severe storms, and tornadoes in 2011.
The project is part of a $200 million appropriation made by Congress to EDA to help communities that received a major disaster designation in fiscal year 2011 with long-term economic recovery and infrastructure support.
Within the context of the administration’s National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) (PDF), EDA serves as the Coordinating Agency on behalf of the Department of Commerce for the Economic Recovery Support Function (RSF) to coordinate the activities of a diverse group of partner agencies supporting recovery in disaster-impacted communities. The activities consist primarily of improved information sharing and the leveraging of existing resources to make a positive impact for communities affected by disasters.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.