U.S. EDA, ARC announce total $2.8 million in grants

With the goal of boosting workforce training opportunities in advanced manufacturing, the U.S. Economic Development Administration Thursday announced a $1.3 million grant to Marshall University's Robert C. Byrd Institute.

Dennis Alvord, deputy assistant secretary for regional affairs with the U.S. EDA made the announcement in Huntington along with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, U.S. Congressman Evan Jenkins and Appalachian Regional Commission federal co-chair Earl F. Gohl.

The Appalachian Regional Commission also is investing $1.5 million in the project, bringing the total to $2.8 million in federal investment. 

“This EDA investment will help RCBI and Advantage Valley continue their efforts to diversify the southern West Virginia economy by providing outreach, retooling, market expansion, business acceleration and workforce development assistance to businesses,” Alvord said in a release from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Through this grant, we are pleased to build on our strong partnership with Marshall University and RCBI, which is having a terrific impact in helping to diversify and grow West Virginia's manufacturing sector.”

The grant is aimed at helping the institute provide workforce training opportunities and technical assistance to more than 300 supply chain companies and manufacturers, the news release said.

Part of Marshall's collaboration with Advantage Valley, it also will link local companies to assist in supply chain and prototype development through six Appalachian Hatchery Power Centers, the release said.

The release said grantee estimates predict the project to create 105 jobs, retain 235 jobs and attract $675,000 in private investment.

“This project is part of a suite of ARC investments to RCBI and Marshall University, which will help lay the foundation for West Virginia's economic future,” Gohl said. “Together, they are creating jobs, building economic momentum, and proving that Appalachia is America's next great investment opportunity.”

Manchin said the grant will foster economic growth in West Virginia.

“Since the founding of our state, West Virginians have always been hardworking and refused to accept the status quo,” Manchin said. “Today, as we work to strengthen and diversify West Virginia's economy, we must make sure West Virginians have access to meaningful job opportunities.”

Jenkins said Marshall is leading the way by using existing infrastructure to create jobs and support small businesses.

“West Virginia's brightest days are ahead, and this grant will help our state diversify our economy and put new technologies to work for us,” Jenkins said. “This funding will help support businesses as they focus on advanced manufacturing technologies and the jobs of the future.”

— Email: alannom@register-herald.com; follow on Twitter @AndreaLannom