Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $725,000 grant to Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa, to equip the college’s Career and Technical Education training facility at the Centerville campus.
The EDA project will provide the equipment needed to facilitate effective training programs that will help meet regional demand for jobs in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and transportation. The EDA grant, to be matched with $725,000 in local investment, is expected to create more than 110 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to strengthen their workforce and build a pipeline of skilled workers,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will help Indian Hills Community College expand its job training programs to meet regional industry needs and create good jobs.”
“This grant and matching funds represents an essential strategic investment in the Ottumwa community, which will pay dividends in the form of jobs in the ag, health care, construction, manufacturing and transportation industries. It’s the latest example in ensuring Iowans’ hard earned tax dollars come back to support our local communities,” said Senator Chuck Grassley.
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Chariton Valley Planning and Development Council of Governments. EDA funds the Chariton Valley Planning and Development Council of Governments 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 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.
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