Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3 Million to Establish a Diesel Mechanics Training Facility in Lewistown, Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology, Lewistown, Pennsylvania, to establish a diesel mechanics and heavy equipment operator training facility and diversify the local economy.

This EDA project will provide secondary and post-secondary training programs designed to enhance employment opportunities and retain workers in the region. It will be matched with $3.5 million in local funds.

“President Biden is committed to helping communities across the country grow and diversify their local workforce and improve regional economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will help meet the demand for skilled workers as business grows in the region.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology as they seek to expand the regional workforce and diversify the local economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will help provide community members with the skills they need to fill the existing and anticipated industrial job demand and will strengthen the local economy.”

“Investing in job training for careers in high demand is a priority for my administration and I thank President Biden for this a $3 million grant for the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “This training will help people get the skills they need for good middle-class jobs that can support a family and build a rewarding career in Mifflin County. Investments like this are good for workers, businesses and the region’s economy.”

“In our rapidly changing economy, job training is as important as ever,” said Senator Bob Casey. “This $3 million grant, matched with $3.5 million in local funding, will diversify the economy in Mifflin County and give our workers a leg up when it comes to new employment opportunities. I was proud to advocate for Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology to receive these funds, and I will continue to work with the Biden Administration to create jobs and support workers in Central Pennsylvania and around the Commonwealth.”

“The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology does outstanding work to prepare students interested in the trades and vocational training for high-demand jobs,” said Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12). “This grant will enable The Academy to expand its educational opportunities and meet the needs of Pennsylvania’s ever-changing workforce.”

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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.