Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Support Job Training Opportunities at Tallahassee Community College
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Thursday, May 8, 2014
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $1.5 million to Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Florida. The investment will support core infrastructure improvements that will enable the construction of the Wakulla Environmental Institute, which will offer eight environmentally-focused degree and certificate programs.
“The Obama Administration and Commerce Department are committed to supporting a talented and skilled workforce for today’s 21st century jobs,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker. “The EDA grant announced today will help Tallahassee Community College offer training in the growing green energy field.”
“This is exciting news for the people of North Florida,” said U.S. Congressman Steve Southerland. “These resources will help further strengthen Wakulla County’s economy and create new, well-paying local jobs. I appreciate TCC’s continued leadership and commitment to preparing North Florida’s next generation.”
EDA’s investment will fund road improvements, a solar parking garage, a boardwalk and platform to control water erosion, and a water quality testing demonstration site to serve the Wakulla Environmental Institute. The Institute will provide programs on water, wastewater, recycling, alternative energy, recreation, and conservation. According to grantee estimates, the project will create more than 100 jobs over the next three years and attract roughly $18 million in private investments.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.