Press Release
U.S. Commerce Department Promotes Workforce Development in Wellston, Missouri
September 22, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank today announced a $1.7 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to St. Louis County and the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of Clayton, Mo., to expand the Metropolitan Education and Training (MET) Center in Wellston.
"Strengthening training opportunities for American workers is critical to our ability to create jobs and remain competitive," Blank said. "This EDA investment will help St. Louis area residents qualify for higher-skill, higher-wage jobs by increasing comprehensive workforce development services."
"The MET Center has been transformative for St. Louis County!" said County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. "This is a place where change happens. We could not have done this without the strong support of EDA. I am so proud of this partnership, because it's making a real impact on people's lives. Every time you walk in the MET Center and hear the success stories, you really understand how it is transforming this community."
In 1994, EDA invested $4.5 million in the development of the MET Center. Since July 2006, the Center has served more than 9,500 clients. Annually, more than 7,000 residents from the region seek the services of the Center and 3,600 individuals have enrolled in training programs. The planned expansion will boost the Center's ability to serve the greater community and is part of a revitalization program that focuses on long-term job creation.
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 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.