U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.1 Million to Boost Business Development and Workforce Training Efforts in Wisconsin

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, edamedia@eda.gov

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $3.1 million in the state of Wisconsin to make critical infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases necessary to support current and future business needs.

The EDA investments announced today are:

Lac Du Flambeau Band in Lac Du Flambeau will receive a $2.6 million EDA grant to support the construction of a molding plant for a Tribally owned enterprise. The project is expected to create or retain more than 80 jobs and generate $500,000 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
Northcentral Technical College in Wausau will receive a $510,430 EDA grant to support sawmill and forest products workforce development. The project, to be matched with over $510,430 in local funds, is expected to create or retain more than 40 jobs and generate $4.4 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to supporting American communities and growing local economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments will allow Lac Du Flambeau and Northcentral Technical College to obtain the infrastructure and equipment they need to support businesses and create well-paying jobs for local citizens.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to strengthen their workforce and build a pipeline of skilled workers,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to assist the Lac Du Flambeau Band and Northcentral Technical College in their work to provide the infrastructure that their businesses and communities need to grow and thrive.”

“We’ve made investing in and supporting our state’s workforce to meet the needs in communities across our state a key priority of my administration, and that includes supporting the good work happening on our Tribal lands and at our technical colleges,” said Governor Tony Evers. “These efforts are bolstered by local, state, and federal partnerships, so it’s great to see these grants go to two well-deserving projects that will help grow the workforce and economy in Northern Wisconsin.”

“Investing in infrastructure and updating equipment is investing in our workers, our economy, and our future,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “These upgrades will expand access to job training, support secure, good-paying careers, and move our Made in Wisconsin economy forward, and I’m happy to support it.”

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.