U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.2 Million for Building Renovations to Support Workforce Development in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.2 million grant to the Muhlenberg County Fiscal Court in Greenville, Kentucky, for building renovations at the Muhlenberg County Opportunity Center.

This award will support workforce development by establishing a new workforce development facility that will prepare individuals for transition into the work environment. This EDA investment, to be matched with $569,240 in state and local funds, is expected to create 30 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“As part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda, we’re ensuring that more people have the skills and resources they need to secure good-paying jobs in the communities where they live,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will increase training opportunities for the people of Muhlenberg County and create pathways to professional growth for workers.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to provide targeted, place-based grants designed to support local workforce development programs,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The new workforce training facility will help prepare residents for quality, in-demand jobs and promote economic resiliency in the region.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Pennyrile Area Development District (PeADD). EDA funds PeADD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.