WASHINGTON (Aug. 6, 2024) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott joined Congresswoman Hillary Scholten at an event hosted by Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan to celebrate their selection for a $1 million Innovative Water Workforce Development Grant. This EPA grant program supports career opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sectors and expands public awareness about these utilities.
“Water utility operators play a critical role in supporting their communities by ensuring that drinking water is safe, and that wastewater is safely managed. I’m thrilled to celebrate this $1 million investment from the Biden-Harris Administration that will help recruit and train the next generation of the water workforce here in Michigan,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “It is a pleasure to visit Grand Rapids Community College and meet the program’s interns who are training for rewarding and good-paying careers in the water sector.”
“Pathways to good paying jobs are essential for any graduate. I’m thrilled for students of Grand Rapids Community College who can begin their education knowing there are opportunities to use their degrees in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector,” said Rep. Hillary Scholten. “This federal grant is laying the groundwork for economic growth in West Michigan that will have ripple effects for years to come.”
With this grant funding, Grand Rapids Community College will develop and implement a community-wide program to address the emerging employment needs of water sector utilities in Grand Rapids and its surrounding region. The college will partner with local government and community organizations to expand public knowledge about essential water services, build awareness of family-sustaining careers with water utilities, and provide training to help individuals pursue careers in the water workforce, focusing on historically disadvantaged communities.
“As we look to the future, it's imperative that we train and prepare the next generation of water workers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in this vital industry,” said Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin. “Water workers play a critical role in maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of our communities. They ensure that we have access to clean drinking water and effectively manage our wastewater systems. With the EPA’s Innovative Water Workforce Development Grant, we are creating opportunities for Michiganders to enter a field that is both rewarding and crucial to our state's infrastructure.”
“We are grateful for this innovative grant opportunity to highlight careers for water professionals and attract student interns who will obtain valuable training and skills in the water industry,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.
“This is the second grant the EPA has awarded Grand Rapids Community College as we continue to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the water sector,” said Grand Rapids Community College President Charles W. Lepper, Ph.D. “This funding will not only enhance our training programs and build critical partnerships but also enable us to scale our efforts beyond the City of Grand Rapids to our neighboring communities. By regionalizing our initiatives, we aim to equip more students with knowledge needed for rewarding careers in water utilities."
The EPA’s Innovative Water Workforce Development grant program expands public awareness about job opportunities in drinking water and wastewater utility sectors while addressing workforce needs through various funded activities such as targeted internship programs, educational initiatives across all levels of schooling, regional collaborations on workforce development, integrated learning laboratories at secondary schools, leadership development programs among others.
Learn more about EPA’s Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Program.
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