Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $7 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds for Construction of a Workforce Development Center in Southaven, Mississippi

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $7 million grant to Northwest Mississippi Community College, Southaven, Mississippi, for construction of a new career technology education and workforce facility. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will provide a facility that will deliver a number of services for regional industries – including healthcare, culinary arts, and hospitality – and the local workforce while supporting research and development. This EDA grant will be matched with $6 million in state and local funds and is expected to create 57 jobs and generate $4 million in private investment.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan offers direct relief to American communities as they work to respond to and recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will increase educational opportunities on campus while creating jobs in the region.”

“Economic Development Administration investments play an important role in advancing locally-led economic development strategies that drive critical workforce and business expansion efforts to create stronger, more resilient regional economies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will support job growth in multiple industries while offering administrative services for students and faculty.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the North Delta Planning and Development District (NDPDD). EDA funds NDPDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.

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.