Press Release

Commerce Department Funds Georgia Program to Create Commercial and Innovation-based Jobs, Boost Workforce Training Opportunities

April 5, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced $875,624 in grants in the State of Georgia to boost competitiveness and create jobs.

"Economic recovery and growth are top priorities for the Obama Administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "These EDA grants will boost Georgia's competitiveness and create jobs by supporting economic development projects that increase private investment, boost workforce training opportunities and spur innovation and entrepreneurship."

The investments include:

- $128,124 to the Town of Thunderbolt to make water system improvements needed to support business expansion plans and serve future business development. The project is expected to create 38 jobs and generate $7 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

- $647,500 to the North Georgia Technical College and Technical College System of Georgia, Clarkesville, to build a welding facility that will train workers and help meet the immediate needs for special skilled welders of the nuclear energy plants in the surrounding regions. The project is expected to create or save 135 jobs and generate $6.3 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"The facility North Georgia Tech will build with this grant will allow us to increase the size and scope of our strong welding program," said Steve Dougherty, President of North Georgia Technical College. "We will be able to provide more welders, joiners and quality control workers, with a wider range of skills, for the manufacturing and construction industries, especially those related to energy, throughout Northeast Georgia and the surrounding region."

- $100,000 to the Technology Association of Georgia of Atlanta, to support an economic gardening pilot program that will provide technical assistance to small, emerging technology-based firms. The project is expected to create at least 50 new jobs, according to grantee estimates.

"Economic gardening will enhance and accelerate the maturity of early-stage tech and tech-enabled companies by leveraging existing regional strengths along with new, innovative business support services," said Melanie Brandt, Chief Operating Officer, Technology Association of Georgia of Atlanta.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.