U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration announced a $725,000 grant to Indian Hills Community College.
The grant funds for the Ottumwa, Iowa, school is intended to equip the career and technical education training facility on its Centerville campus, according to a Jan. 5 news release. The new funds will help equip training programs in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, construction, healthcare and transportation.
"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," Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said in the news release. "This EDA investment will help Indian Hills Community College expand its job training programs to meet regional industry needs and create good jobs."
The EDA grant is expected to create more than 110 jobs, the release reported. The project resulted from regional planning efforts led by the Chariton Valley Planning and Development Council of Governments, funded by EDA with an eye toward bringing together the public and private sectors to develope economic roadmaps, strengthen the regional economies and create 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," Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley said in the news release. "It's the latest example in ensuring Iowans' hard earned tax dollars come back to support our local communities."
