Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3 Million to Help Establish a Workforce Training Facility in El Centro, California
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
September 27, 2018
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to San Diego Electrical Training Trust to help build a workforce training facility in El Centro. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 332 jobs.
“President Trump has been diligent in his efforts to improve the situation of American workers including increasing opportunities for skills training,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The new facility in El Centro will help provide the region’s workers with new opportunities and the skills necessary to compete in today’s economy.”
“I am thrilled to see federal funding come to the City of El Centro,” said Rep. Vargas. “This award will not only transform the city but will transform the lives of many throughout my district. Investments in workforce training are essential in elevating communities like ours and I am proud that the EDA recognizes the same potential I have always seen in our workers. I look forward to seeing the completion of the new training center.”
This project will support the construction of a 10,000 square-foot workforce training center that will include 10 classrooms, a hands-on instruction lab, computer server storage, and conference rooms. The building is planned to be a Net-Zero Building, meaning the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy generated on the site.
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.