U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $700,000 to Bolster Manufacturing and Healthcare Workforce Development in Buena Vista County, Iowa
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $700,000 grant to Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to purchase equipment for workforce training programs at the college’s Storm Lake Regional Center in Buena Vista County.
This project will support technical training programs in advanced manufacturing and welding, electrical technologies, industrial mechanics and machining, and health sciences. The EDA investment will be matched with $700,000 in local funds and is expected to create 144 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
“The Economic Development Administration is proud to support Iowa Central Community College’s efforts to build a robust workforce for critical and emerging industries of tomorrow,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This strategic, place-based EDA investment will ensure that the manufacturing and healthcare sectors remain a driving force for job creation and economic resiliency throughout the region for decades to come.”
“My consistent takeaway from visiting manufacturing facilities during my meetings in each of Iowa’s 99 counties is that Iowa manufacturers are innovating and supplying the world with some of the highest quality goods available despite persistent challenges with workforce shortages,” said Senator Chuck Grassley. “The resources announced today will support Iowa’s rich manufacturing sector by providing the next generation of workers with training on cutting edge equipment. This investment will expand academic offerings at Iowa Central Community College that will help strengthen the local job market and encourage advancements in manufacturing and workforce training.”
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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.