North Carolina
| Program Category | # of Grants per state | Sum of EDA $ |
|---|---|---|
| Disaster Relief | 1 | $2,031,480 |
| Economic Adjustment Assistance | 2 | $70,000 |
| Planning | 9 | $1,360,036 |
| Public Works | 5 | $8,842,975 |
| Technical Assistance | 3 | $354,000 |
| Grand Total | 20 | $12,658,491 |
Nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains, Sylva, North Carolina, sits squarely in the midst of a region known for tourism, arts, and outdoor recreation. While these assets continue to be recognized, local leaders understand that without corresponding access to health care, the region’s economic potential would be stymied.
Southwestern Community College (SCC) has long provided a critical talent pipeline for healthcare jobs in the region. Demographic shifts in the region to an older population demanded greater numbers of specially trained workers for regional hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. As college leaders began assessing growth plans for the institution, the economic rationale for growing the health sciences programs was unmistakable. All the allied health programs at SCC reached capacity and had significant numbers of prospective students who were unable to be admitted due to class size limits.
In FY 2018, EDA awarded $2,015,395 in Public Works funds to Jackson County and SCC to support the construction of a new 55,448 square-foot Health Sciences Building. This new building creates space for three new programs and expands the capacity of all the college’s existing health sciences programs, providing enrollment opportunities for 288 additional students. As a result, this project is expected to create 236 jobs, save 127 jobs, and bring in $1.25 million in private investment.