Louisiana
| Program | # of Grants | EDA Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Disaster Relief | 5 | $4,993,645 |
| Economic Adjustment Assistance | 1 | $700,000 |
| Partnership Planning | 8 | $1,210,000 |
| Public Works | 2 | $1,780,000 |
| Technical Assistance | 2 | $205,180 |
| Total | 18 | $8,888,825 |
Recent shifts in the oil and gas/petrochemical industries have resulted in significant job losses across South Louisiana. Within the South Central Region, more than 550 jobs have been lost within this specific industry sector. Additionally, as skilled "Baby Boomers" retire, there is an increasing shortage of skilled workers, specifically welders. Training programs are needed to help fill the gap between these generations and keep a strong workforce in place.
In July 2016, EDA invested $1,040,000 in Public Works funds to support South Central Louisiana Technical College (SCLTC) and its partner, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, for a program at the SCLTC Reserve campus. The EDA investment will help construct a new welding facility comprised of approximately 4,000 square feet, 40 additional indoor welding booths, and an outdoor welding area at the Reserve campus.
SCLTC has a long history of working with private industry to develop worker training programs targeted to meet current industry needs. The project received private industry endorsements from DuPont, Valero, Marathon Petroleum, Arcelor Mittal, Turner Industries, and Roussel Welding and Metal Works, Inc. An estimated 576 additional welding students will be trained for jobs during the next several years.