Press Release
U.S. Commerce Department Invests $1.7 Million to Strengthen Job Creation in Nevada
August 17, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
Economic Development Administration grant supports local workforce training
WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Dr. Rebecca Blank today announced a $1.7 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow (FIT) in Las Vegas, Nev., to expand its workforce training center. The project is expected to create 375 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
"Through our Economic Development Administration, we are able to provide funding to local communities to enhance job creation, economic growth and global competitiveness," Blank said. "This EDA investment will support high-skill, living-wage jobs in Nevada by helping the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow increase critical job training and mentoring services."
"This grant will provide the means for over a thousand students every three years to become employed in jobs that pay enough to support a family without public assistance," said Janet Blumen, Founder & CEO, Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow. "It will ease the burden off social services as people become able to support themselves."
The EDA funding will help to add a second story to the 13,000-square-foot training center by enclosing two existing patio areas, giving FIT an additional 8,650 square feet of space to meet the demand for its services. The project will be constructed to LEED Silver standards.
EDA investments have two major goals: helping communities create high-skill, living-wage jobs and attract private investment. Since 2005, EDA has awarded more than $1.2 billion in grants to hundreds of communities nationwide - investments that are expected to create more than 314,000 jobs. Two major independent studies conducted within the past ten years concluded that EDA projects have a significant impact on employment levels in communities where investments are made. All EDA grants are awarded on a competitive basis and are merit-based.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:
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 makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.