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South Arkansas Community College Awarded $788,587 Grant

September 27, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. John Boozman (AR), Tom Cotton (AR), and Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) each issued the following statements congratulating South Arkansas Community College on its award of a $788,587 grant from the Economic Development Administration to construct the Advance Manufacturing Training Center in El Dorado.

“A thriving manufacturing sector is one of the keys to remaining competitive in today's global economy,” Boozman said. “This grant is beneficial in that regard as it will help create a skilled workforce to fill those jobs right here in Arkansas. This new training center at South Arkansas Community College will help put our state’s economy in a good position to grow and give Arkansans an opportunity to learn the skills necessary to land well-paying, manufacturing jobs.”

“Congratulations to South Arkansas Community College on winning this grant,” Cotton said. “I know this manufacturing center will be a great addition to the college and help students better prepare to meet the growing need for high-skill technicians across South Arkansas.”

“In order to grow the economy, companies must have skilled workers,” Westerman said. “This grant to construct the Advance Manufacturing Training Center will build a pipeline of skilled workers for companies across South Arkansas. Not only will this help companies fill open positions, but it will create incentive for employers to start or expand their operations in and around Union County. Congratulations to South Arkansas Community College on this grant and I look forward to seeing its impact on the region.”

According to the award notice provided by the EDA, its investment funds the construction of a training center to provide training, education, and foster workforce partnerships to meet the current and future industry needs in the region. The center will provide a first-class advanced manufacturing training facility designed with significant input from industry leaders to provide jobs for workers in the economically distressed Mississippi Delta region in Southern Arkansas. The total cost of the training center is more than $1.7 million.

EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application’s merit, the applicant’s eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDA’s grant process and investment process can be found at www.eda.gov.