The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Southwest Economic Solutions will receive a $315,000 grant to support workforce development in Detroit. This funding is part of the Brownfields Job Training Program, which is backed by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and aims to promote economic opportunity and environmental justice.
“EPA’s Brownfields Job Training Program not only helps communities clean up and revitalize contaminated sites but gives community members the tools they need to be part of the solution and improve their own lives,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “We are proud to continue this important work with Southwest Economic Solutions in Detroit.”
Southwest Economic Solutions plans to use the grant to train 60 students, placing 34 of them in environmental jobs. The training will include courses such as 40-Hour HAZWOPER, OSHA Health and Safety certifications, Asbestos Abatement Worker training, among others. Students completing the program can earn up to 12 federal certifications. The focus is on unemployed, underemployed, and economically underserved adults within Detroit. Partners for this initiative include the American Job Center, Michigan Works Agency, Detroit at Work, Detroit Home Builders, Michigan Department of Corrections, and North America’s Building Trades Unions.
“A good job is more than just a paycheck: it can provide hope and stability for workers and their families for generations,” stated Rep. Shri Thanedar. “I have never forgotten what it’s like to live in poverty and the hopelessness that often comes with it. That’s why targeting economically underserved adults like this program does is so important."
Hector Hernandez, executive director of Southwest Economic Solutions, expressed gratitude for the grant: “Southwest Economic Solutions is honored to be awarded the EPA grant which will provide key training opportunities for our underserved Detroit population while redeveloping Brownfield areas in Detroit.”
The Brownfields Job Training Program seeks to create a skilled workforce in areas undergoing environmental remediation and redevelopment. Many participants come from historically underserved neighborhoods facing environmental justice issues.
President Biden's administration has facilitated significant investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), allocating over $1.5 billion for brownfields infrastructure improvements via EPA programs. This financial support allows more communities access to larger grants aimed at enhancing job training curriculums tied to brownfield revitalization projects.
Since its inception in 1998, the EPA's Brownfield Job Training Programs have issued 430 grants totaling over $113 million. These efforts have led to over 23,400 individuals completing training programs and more than 17,400 securing employment related to land remediation and environmental health safety fields.
For further details on Brownfields Job Training Grant recipients or inquiries about potential applications for these grants, interested parties are encouraged to consult EPA resources or submit technical assistance requests.