The Economic Development Administration grant was announced last week by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. The center is expected to create 100 jobs and contribute $850,000 in private investments, according to estimates from the association.
Instead of constructing a new building for the center, an already existing two-story, 20,000-square-foot building will be brought up to code and have a new HVAC system and other utilities installed. The renovated building will be used for professional technical education and will support light manufacturing and other industries.
“One of the Obama administration’s top priorities is ensuring American workers have the skills they need to compete for good-paying jobs,” a news release quoted Pritzker saying. “The Teton County Professional Technical Education and Business Center in Idaho, supported by this $1.5 million EDA grant, will help train workers and ensure local businesses have the skilled workforce they need to be successful.”