U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.3 Million to Support Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development in Parkersburg, West Virginia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.3 million grant to West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP) to boost advanced manufacturing workforce training efforts in the region.

This grant will support development of the WVUP Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility and the procurement of related equipment. This EDA investment will be matched with $333,837 in local funds.

“President Biden knows America’s workers are the source of our country’s competitiveness, and this EDA grant will invest in our workers by helping West Virginians get the opportunities and skills they need for quality, good paying jobs in manufacturing,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to assist West Virginia University at Parkersburg as it works to prepare local citizens for good-paying jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector.”

“EDA continues to be a strong partner for West Virginia through important investments that spur economic growth in our local communities and reinvigorate our country’s manufacturing industry,” said Senator Joe Manchin. “I am particularly excited about today’s $1.3 million award to West Virginia University at Parkersburg, which will help boost manufacturing workforce development throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue working with EDA to deliver these kinds of resources that prepare West Virginians for quality jobs and ensure the Mountain State leads in innovation.”

“As Ranking Member of the Senate EPW Committee, I continue to help lead efforts to support West Virginia communities through the EDA,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito. “The EDA is a critical partner in growing our state’s economy now and in the future, and I’m glad this funding will directly benefit WVU Parkersburg, providing a boost to their manufacturing workforce training programs.”

This project is funded under the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) initiative, through which EDA awards funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal through activities and programs that support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities. 

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.