U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.3 Million to Boost Healthcare Workforce Development in Grand Forks, North Dakota

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 the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, to support healthcare workforce development.

This grant will provide for the procurement of a van and related equipment to allow the University to expand its medical training program. This EDA investment will be matched with $328,500 in local funds.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda is committed to providing workers with the skills they need for jobs in America’s most in-demand industries,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This project will enhance the capacity of professionals and students in Grand Forks to respond to and provide emergency medical services especially during natural disasters.”

“EDA plays an important role in supporting locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency plans,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “This EDA investment will help bolster workforce training in essential healthcare jobs and boost regional economic resilience.”

“The University of North Dakota is essential to training medical professionals in the region,” said Senator Kevin Cramer. “At a time of limited supply and growing demand for more technicians, nurses, and physicians, these funds will support workforce development efforts in the state, both now and in the future. I’m glad this project secured assistance to enhance training opportunities for the essential jobs in medical care.”

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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.