Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.5 million grant to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System of Hazard, Kentucky. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 261 jobs.
“The Trump Administration is committed to ensuring that American workers are provided every opportunity to succeed,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “These improvements to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System will help workers gain the skills to compete at the global level.”
“We are thankful to the Trump Administration for this latest investment in expanding Kentucky’s skilled workforce,” said Governor Bevin. “With each new opportunity in Eastern Kentucky, momentum increases and the transformative power of hope mixed with investment is forever changing the region’s dynamic. We are grateful for the exceptional cooperation at every level that made this possible. What is good for the families of Hazard is good for every family in Kentucky — we are all in this together.”
“Kentucky’s workforce has incredible potential, and I am pleased to see this new investment for our future,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. “By partnering with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, we can help individuals gain the skills they need for a 21st century economy. As Senate Majority Leader, I strongly advocate for our coal communities and for federal grant funding to benefit them, and I will continue to support programs that create good jobs and encourage economic growth.” Senator McConnell has been a strong advocate for coal miners and their communities and has worked to secure funding for this economic development program.
This project is funded under the 2018 Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC 2108) program. EDA award funds through ACC 2018 on a competitive basis to aid communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal by supporting activities and programs which fuel economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.
This project involves a partnership of three community and technical colleges, which will fast-track the implementation of advanced manufacturing training programs across 16 counties. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Kentucky River Area Development District, Cumberland Valley Area Development District, and Big Sandy Area Development District. EDA funds these organizations to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.
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.