U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.7 Million to Expand Agricultural and Lineworker Training Workforce Training Programs in Christian County, Missouri Share

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.7 million grant to Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, Missouri, to construct a new workforce training facility on the Richwood Valley Campus in Christian County.

This grant will allow for expansion of the college’s agricultural industry and lineworker training programs, producing skilled workers to fill high-quality jobs in the region. This EDA investment will be matched with $3.1 million in local funds.

“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 the communities where they live,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will expand agricultural and lineworker training programs in southwest Missouri, creating new economic opportunity and jobs for local citizens.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support place-based, locally led economic development,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will expand the capacity of Ozarks Technical Community College to provide critical workforce training, spurring quality job growth in southwest Missouri.”

“We’re proud Ozark Technical Community College has earned this grant to further strengthen its workforce training programs and benefit more Missourians,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Projects like this, coupled with our efforts at the state level, are how Missouri is emerging as a leader in workforce programs and a prime destination for business investment. We look forward to this project helping more Missourians earn a skill and secure a good-paying, high-demand job.”

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.