U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4 Million to Establish Workforce Development Training Facility in Southern Arizona
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4 million grant to the Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation, in Tucson, Arizona, to support workforce development at the Pascua Yaqui Reservation and surrounding community.
This grant will support construction of a 3,200-square-foot workforce development facility and the acquisition of heavy equipment to facilitate training in the construction trades. This EDA investment is expected to create 135 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is about ensuring that all communities have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy, and this EDA investment will get members of the Pascua Yaqui community the skills they need for quality jobs in the construction trades,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will bolster the construction and labor industry, creating new job opportunities while helping to diversify the local economy.”
“Today’s $4 million investment will boost business opportunities for the Pascua Yaqui Reservation – supporting strong career paths for Pascua Yaqui Tribe members and fueling economic growth in Southern Arizona,” said Senator Kyrsten Sinema.
“Arizona’s economy has unique needs, especially in rural and tribal communities, and it’s important that we continue to support these areas through targeted investments,” said Senator Mark Kelly. “This funding for the Pascua Yaqui community is a prime example of how we can create good-paying jobs and bolster our workforce. By constructing a new training facility and providing essential resources, we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient economy for Southern Arizona.”
“As a senior member and former chair of the Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples, I have always fought for economic and job opportunities in Indian Country,” said Representative Ruben Gallego (AZ-03). “It’s great to see our work pay off with investments like this one, which will create new job training opportunities to help Pascua Yaqui and the surrounding community thrive.”
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.