Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million to Advance Technical Education Workforce Training Efforts in Eastern Idaho

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the College of Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho, to design and build an 80,000-square-foot career and technical education facility to house workforce training programs focused on the energy, environment, and technology fields. The EDA grant will be matched with $1.2 million in local funds.

“The Trump administration believes that training and upskilling our workforce is critical to filling in-demand technology jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This facility will help meet the business demands of the Eastern Idaho region.”

“EDA is pleased to support the College of Eastern Idaho’s locally driven efforts to enhance educational and career opportunities,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This new facility, along with the college’s addition of new technology courses, will support the workforce needs of nearby Idaho National Laboratory, Naval Reactors Facility, and other businesses.”

“In Idaho, we are seeing both employment growth and a record high labor force,” said Governor Brad Little. “We must continue to invest in education and workforce development to ensure our workforce is ready for the growth we are experiencing. Eastern Idaho is a corridor for research in technology and energy, and this latest investment is a welcome step in our state’s path to prosperity. Thank you to the eastern Idaho community for their hard work in securing more opportunities for Idaho citizens and businesses.”

“This grant for the College of Eastern Idaho will help advance career and technical opportunities for those with interests geared toward specialized technology and energy industries like at the Idaho National Lab and at other businesses across Idaho,” said Senator Mike Crapo. “EDA grants continue to provide benefits to our state, and I commend the Administration for its continued focus on growth and development in rural areas.”

“Career and technical education is a sure path to building a successful career and achieving upward mobility,” said Senator Jim Risch. “This funding will help equip Idahoans with advanced skills to secure in-demand jobs with local and national employers alike.”

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.