U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.2 Million to Expand Construction Training and Business Development in Arkansas

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, [email protected]

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $2.2 million in the state of Arkansas to support expanded workforce training and business development.

The EDA investments announced today are:

Arkansas Construction Education Foundation (ACEF) in Little Rock will receive a $1.2 million EDA grant to build state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratory space to expand its highways construction training and apprenticeship programs. The project will be matched with $1.2 million in local funds and is expected to create 250 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
Marble Falls Sewer Improvement District in Marble Falls will receive a $1 million EDA grant to construct wastewater infrastructure improvements to support redevelopment of a former amusement park property. The project, to be matched with $1.9 million in state funds, is expected to create 166 jobs and generate $40 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is boosting the nation’s economy by creating jobs and new business opportunities,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These investments from EDA will help grow the construction workforce and improve business development in Little Rock and Marble Falls, strengthening the regional economies.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is honored to assist ACEF and the Marble Falls Sewer Improvement District in their work to boost the regional economies.”

“I am pleased that the Economic Development Administration is continuing to support business development and workforce training in Arkansas. Their investment in the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation in Little Rock will help grow our local economy and create more job opportunities for Arkansans,” said Congressman French Hill (AR-02).

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.