In the News
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests to Support Growth of Aviation and Aerospace Workforce in Mississippi
Washington,
September 27, 2019
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million grant to Pearl River Community College of Poplarville, Mississippi, to fund construction of a new Aviation and Aerospace Workforce Academy at the Stennis International Airport. The grant, to be matched with more than $3.9 million in state and local investment, is expected to help create 469 jobs, retain 550 jobs, and generate $5 million in private investment. “Pearl River Community College is committed to strengthening and training Mississippi’s workforce and this grant will only further that support to our state,” said Rep. Steven Palazzo. Many advancements in aerospace have come from or through Mississippi and I look forward to this grant continuing that progress.” The new Aviation and Aerospace Workforce Academy at the Stennis International Airport will be a modern facility providing educational opportunities in academic, career technical, and workforce programs. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District. EDA funds the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District 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 Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) (PDF), in which Congress appropriated to EDA $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF) funds for disaster relief and recovery as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, wildfires, and other calendar year 2017 natural disasters under the Stafford Act. About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov) |