Press Release

Tennessee Nursing and Physician Assistant Training Opportunities to Expand as Result of Department of Commerce Investment

July 12, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Bethel University of McKenzie, Tennessee to build a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified nursing and physician assistant training facility. The project is expected to create more than 490 higher-skill jobs and generate $24.8 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"An educated workforce is critical to a region's ability to attract new businesses and jobs," Locke said. "This EDA grant will help build an energy-efficient medical training facility in Tennessee that will provide workers with the skills they need to compete for higher-skill, living-wage jobs in the medical sector."

The building will be constructed to LEED Silver Level building certification standards. The project is funded under EDA's Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund (GCCMIF), which is intended to foster the green economy by promoting economic competitiveness while enhancing environmental quality.

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.