Press Release
September 24, 2024

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.2 Million to Support Aviation Sector Workforce Development in Manatee County, Florida

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.2 million grant to the School District of Manatee County, Florida, to support aviation industry workforce development.

This grant will provide for the construction of a maintenance hangar at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in support of its Aviation Maintenance Technician School. This EDA investment will be matched with $542,654 in local funds.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to creating new opportunities that allow workers across the United States to reach their full potential,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support expansion of the local aviation industry, providing new opportunities for job creation in the region and boosting economic prosperity.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Manatee County as it works to diversify and grow the region’s economy,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “The construction supported by this EDA investment will allow an existing aviation industry tenant to expand its workforce development programs and create good-paying, quality jobs in the region.”

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.