U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.3 Million to Boost Workforce Training in Niagara County, New York
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.3 million grant to Niagara University in Niagara, New York, to bolster workforce development in the region.
This grant will support the renovation of an existing building for use as a workforce training center focusing on vocational education in data analytics, cybersecurity, supply chain management and other in-demand occupations. This EDA investment will be matched with $326,700 in local funds and is expected to create or retain nearly 400 jobs, and generate $195,930 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“As part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda, we’re ensuring workers have the skills and resources they need to secure good-paying jobs in the communities where they live,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Niagara University will increase training opportunities to create pathways to professional growth, helping meet regional industry workforce needs in Niagara County.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to provide targeted, place-based grants designed to support local workforce development programs,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This new facility will provide local workers with the skills they need to compete for quality jobs.”
“Niagara University is leading the way to supercharge Western New York’s tech workforce and I am proud to deliver this substantial $1.3 million federal investment to give our workers the skills and resources to secure good-paying jobs building America’s future here in WNY,” said Senator Chuck Schumer. “This builds on the $1.4 million I secured last year to jumpstart this project to help Niagara University transform an outdated university building into a state of the art workforce training center, to meet the needs of rapidly growing industries across Western NY. Investing in tomorrow’s workforce today is critical to a successful future, and with these federal dollars flowing to our state, Western New York’s future has never looked brighter.”
“It is vital that New York’s workers have the skills and resources needed to secure stable, good-paying jobs in high-demand fields,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “This funding will help ensure that workers receive the training to meet the workforce needs of Niagara County. I thank the EDA for this award and will keep working to bring home more federal resources to build a strong workforce in New York State.”
“Investing in a more promising future for all Western New Yorkers begins with improving access to career and technical training that supports in-demand jobs,” said Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26). “Thanks to federal funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Niagara University will provide community education opportunities in high-demand fields like Information Technology, Early Childhood Education, and Supply Chain Management at their new Academic Innovation Hub in the City of Niagara Falls. This investment will benefit local employers and jobs seekers by expanding our skilled workforce, while creating jobs that support the needs of our economy.”
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.