Two workforce projects in Pulaski County have been awarded $4.3 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the department announced Tuesday.
The projects and the award amounts are:
- Pulaski County will receive $3 million to extend rail service to support manufacturing business growth at the Little Rock Port. The project will be matched with $952,690 in state funds and is expected to create 542 jobs and generate $397 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
- Shorter College of North Little Rock will receive $1.3 million for development of the Entrepreneurial Technology Center to prepare students for in-demand jobs in the region. The project will be matched with $600,000 in local funds and is expected to create 864 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
The grants were awarded through the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration.
"These EDA funds are an investment in Arkansas’ economy," U.S. Sen. John Boozman said in a statement. "By delivering this support we can better meet the needs of local businesses and ensure our workforce has the specialized skills and training for in-demand jobs to accelerate growth and development well into the future."
U.S. Rep. French Hill said, “These investments in the Little Rock region will help bolster economic growth in our area and create more job opportunities in our community.”
