For the Gazette
CENTRAL WISCONSIN – The United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million grant to Mid-State Technical College to support the development of the college’s Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology and Apprenticeship (AMETA) Center.
Located on the college’s Stevens Point campus, the AMETA will provide the region with a centralized location for education and workforce training in multiple industries.
This EDA project is expected to create or retain more than 760 jobs and generate $2 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“This EDA award is an example of President Biden’s commitment to investing in our workers and rebuilding American manufacturing.,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “With the assistance of this federal funding, Mid-State Technical College will create more educational and workforce opportunities for local students, help meet industry demand for skilled workers, and create new economic opportunity and jobs in Wisconsin.”
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to strengthen their workforce and build a pipeline of skilled workers,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will directly support the purchase of cutting-edge instructional equipment for the AMETA Center. We are proud to partner with Mid-State Technical College as it endeavors to sustain and grow multiple industries in Wisconsin, including advanced manufacturing, transportation, agriculture and food production, and forest products and paper.”
“Here in Wisconsin, we’re working to make smart, strategic investments to support working families, strengthen our workforce, and maintain our economy’s incredible momentum, and that’s why I’m proud to support the new AMETA Center in my 2023-25 Biennial Budget proposal,” said Governor Tony Evers. “This new facility will bring new jobs and countless opportunities to Central Wisconsin, and we appreciate our federal partners for recognizing the value of this center and for their support.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NCWRPC).
EDA funds NCWRPC 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.