The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a $3 million grant awarded to North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), will be used to expand workforce training in vital industries including healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.
The funding will be used to build a new continuing education training center in Franklin County. The goal of this center is to enhance the regional workforce, particularly in the aforementioned industries. The EDA investment is set to be supplemented by $753,296 in local funds. According to estimates from the grantee, this project is anticipated to retain or create 105 jobs, and stimulate $12 million in private investment.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated that the Biden-Harris Administration has made workforce investing a key component of their Investing in America Agenda. She anticipates that the EDA grant will broaden access to training opportunities in Iowa, strengthen the regional workforce in key sectors, and connect workers with well-paid jobs at local employers.
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo explained that the U.S. Economic Development Administration partners closely with local communities to promote place-based economic growth. This project is slated to equip high school students and community members with the skills needed for high-demand industries, thereby fostering a robust regional economy.
The project was made feasible through regional planning initiatives led by the North Iowa Area Council of Governments (NIACOG). The EDA provides funding to NIACOG to unite the public and private sectors in creating an economic development roadmap aimed at boosting the regional economy, supporting private capital investment, and creating jobs.
