Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.1 Million to Establish Training Center for Nursing Programs in Schriever, Louisiana

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.1 million grant to the Fletcher Falcon Enterprise Corporation of Schriever, Louisiana, to build a new healthcare and nursing training facility to support the workforce demands of regional employers. The EDA grant, to be matched with $560,000 in local investment, is expected to create 500 jobs.

“The Trump Administration is committed to not only retaining jobs in this country, but also to creating new opportunities for Americans,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This new healthcare training facility will prepare students for successful careers in the healthcare industry.”

“This investment will support construction of a new, state-of-the art facility at Fletcher Technical Community College dedicated to workforce development in Louisiana’s healthcare sector, said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “The new facility will allow the college to expand its nursing programs, and Fletcher’s partnership with local employers will ensure job placement for students after graduation.”

“Investing in health care training benefits those in the field and the patients they serve,” said Senator Bill Cassidy. “This funding creates jobs and improves health outcomes. I appreciate Secretary Ross and the Trump administration for their support.”

“With this new facility, students will have access to vital resources to help them become skilled health care professionals,” said Senator John Kennedy. “This EDA grant will not only help create new jobs, but also promote quality health care for Louisiana communities.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the South Central Planning and Development Commission, which EDA funds to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-20) (PDF), which provided EDA with $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF) funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas affected by Hurricanes Florence, Michael, and Lane, Typhoons Yutu and Mangkhut, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and other major natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2018, and tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019, under the Robert T. Stafford Act. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage.

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.