U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.2 Million to Support Technical Workforce Development in Northeastern Minnesota

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 Minnesota North College in Hibbing, Minnesota, to support technical workforce development in the region.

This grant will support the procurement of two mobile laboratories for use in HVAC and welding training programs. This EDA investment will be matched with $555,000 in local funds and is expected to create 225 jobs, retain 50 jobs, and generate $1 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda is committed to getting workers the skills they need to take advantage of the jobs in high-demand industries,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will help support essential technical jobs, diversify the local economy, and build regional economic resilience in Minnesota for decades to come.” 

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” 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. “This project will create a strong pipeline of talent for the growing welding and HVAC industries and enable Minnesota North College to provide job opportunities for residents of rural Minnesota.”

“The expansion of training at technical and community colleges is crucial for diversifying and strengthening local economies,” said Senator Tina Smith. “This grant will help support educational development, create and retain jobs, and ensure that labor needs are met in the HVAC and welding industries.”

“Minnesota North College is a leader in preparing Iron Range students with the technical skills they need to get good-paying, in-demand jobs,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “This federal funding will enable the college to expand its hands-on welding and HVAC training programs to ensure more students are prepared for 21st century jobs.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC). EDA funds ARDC 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 the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) initiative, through which EDA awards funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal. ACC projects support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.

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.