Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.52 Million to Support Workforce Development in Lewiston, Idaho

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.52 million grant to Lewis-Clark State College of Lewiston, Idaho, to provide career and technical education equipment to support workforce development. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 391 jobs, retain 423 jobs, and generate $14.7 million in private investment.

“The President and the Department of Commerce are committed to ensuring that American communities have tools necessary to meet the demand for a skilled workforce,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This Lewis-Clark State College program will help provide critical training to ensure local employers have the workforce they need succeed.”

“This is welcome help for our efforts to improve and expand access to career-technical education and training in Idaho,” said Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter. “Lewis-Clark State College is an important part of our network of Workforce Training Centers, and this grant will enable us to create new and better opportunities there for Idaho workers to develop the skills that Idaho employers need.”

“Career and technical education offers a pathway for successful careers,” said Senator Mike Crapo. “Lewis-Clark College is training the next generation of trade school graduates through its partnership with Lewiston High School, offering opportunities for many of Idaho’s young women and men to build their careers at home in Idaho. Congratulations to Lewis-Clark State College for receiving this grant.”

The project will provide for career and educational equipment at the Lewis-Clark State College Workforce Training Center located in Northwestern Idaho. The new equipment will help diversify the region’s economy from strictly timber and agriculture to the manufacturing and automotive industries.

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.