U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4 Million to Support Automotive Workforce Development in Troy, New York

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 awarding a $4 million grant to Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York, for upgrades to the Applied Technology Education Center.

This grant will support construction of the new Automotive Technical Services Class Laboratories and Drive Aisles Wing, to support workforce development in the automotive industry. This EDA investment, to be matched with $4 million local funds, is expected to create 70 jobs and generate $112 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

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

“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. “This new automotive workforce training facility will help prepare residents for quality, in-demand jobs and promote economic resilience in the region.”

“Hudson Valley Community College start your engines because I am proud to help deliver the $4 million in federal funding to finally greenlight the college’s brand new Applied Technology Education Center and its Automotive Technical Services Class Laboratories. This funding will give our students the tools and hands-on experience to get good-paying jobs in the auto industry and put our students in the Capital Region on the road to success,” said Senator Chuck Schumer. “The new automotive workforce training facility is the boost HVCC has needed to help fill in-demand jobs, and pretty soon a whole new class of students will be riding off into the sunset with the skills they need to build a better life for themselves here in the Capital Region.”

“I want to thank the Capital District Regional Planning Commission for all their hard work in helping to secure an investment that will create good-paying jobs for residents of the Capital Region,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “This investment by the Economic Development Administration will support the growth and development of the automotive workforce in New York, providing new training opportunities for aspiring members of the industry and bringing millions in private investment to the area. I will continue to work hard in Congress to bring federal funds home to the Capital Region and to create good jobs across our state.”

“Our Capital Region is fortunate to have exceptional institutes of higher learning that foster professional development and prepare students to become our skilled future workers,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20). “This award will further propel our bright students to new levels of success and serve as a key economic multiplier for our region as a whole. Congratulations to HVCC on this deserved award!”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC). EDA funds CDRPC 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.

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.