Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $909,686 to Expand Shipbuilding Workforce Training Opportunities in Mississippi
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
May 1, 2017
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding an $909,686 grant to the Greene County Board of Supervisors of Leakesville, Mississippi, to expand an existing workforce training center that provides critical workforce training in support of the region’s ship building and marine industries. According to the grantee, the investment is expected to help create 250 new jobs.
“We commend Greene County on their approach to create new opportunities for their local workers,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs Dennis Alvord. “The educational opportunities resulting from this project will help Mississippi meet the growing demand for a skilled ship building workforce.”
Leakesville is located in the southeastern portion of Mississippi, about an hour from the Gulf Coast. The expanded workforce training center will provide enhanced training in electrical, ship fitting, welding, and pipefitting; skills that are in high demand in the region.
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.