Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced a $4 million grant May 19 for the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
The funding aims to support the development of the local workforce in their effort to expand the healthcare system, according to a press release from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The money will be used to renovate a hall at the university that is used to train students in nursing and clinical practices.
“President (Joe) Biden’s American Rescue Plan offers direct relief to American communities as they work to respond to and recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic,” Raimondo said. “Alaska is suffering a persistent shortage of health care professionals that this investment will help mitigate.”
“The Economic Development Administration partners with communities to develop locally-driven investments to create stronger, more resilient regional economies,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Castillo, said in the release. “This EDA investment will promote good-paying, stable jobs in the Alaskan health care system.”
The renovation project is funded by the American Rescue Plan, the release stated. Specifically, by the Economic Adjustment Assistance program. This program allocates $500 million in grants for American communities. The goal of the program is to build and innovate the infrastructure of communities, as well as provide people with opportunities to work.
The EDA oversees the federal economic development agenda and promotes competitiveness while it prepares U.S. regions for growth and success in a global market, according to the release.
The EDA is an agency within the Department of Commerce and invests in communities to support regional collaboration and create jobs for American workers, the release stated.
