WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) announced $1.5 Million in a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to be used for the construction of a manufacturing center on the campus of Gaston College in the Tenth Congressional District.

The grant will be used to construct the new Center for Advanced Manufacturing and to renovate the existing Pharr Trade and Industrial building on the campus of Gaston College in Dallas, NC.  The college will use the facilities to train workers to expand the region's clean energy industry, green technologies, and sustainable manufacturing initiatives.  Students and workers who receive this training will be prepared for high-growth, high-wage occupations in these industries.  The project is expected to create 160 new jobs and $50 Million in new private investment for the Tenth Congressional District.         

"The construction of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing will have a tremendous impact on Gaston County not just because of the jobs directly created, but also from the continued investment in the community that will come from hosting a training center of this quality," said Congressman McHenry.  "I specifically want to commend Gaston College and their Board of Trustees for the hard work they put into this proposal.  They will be excellent hosts."

Gaston College President Dr. Pat Skinner discussed the importance of the project and the role Congressman McHenry played in its awarding, “Gaston College is a key player in the region’s economic development efforts.  By collaborating with local Chambers of Commerce, economic development and workforce development agencies, and local business and industry, the college is able to develop and provide customized training opportunities to improve workers’ skills and business operations.  We are grateful that the U.S. Economic Development Administration has found merit in our proposed Center for Advanced Manufacturing and has chosen to partner with the College as we strive to meet the needs identified in our region for a skilled and specialized workforce.  We are grateful for Congressman Patrick McHenry’s advocacy for our efforts and continued support of Gaston College and our community.”

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is the lead federal economic development agency and works to promote competitiveness by preparing the nation's regions for growth in the worldwide economy.  Part of the Department of Commerce, the EDA awards grants through a competitive process based on the merit of applications received.  The grant for Gaston College was part of $4.1 Million in EDA grants to support business growth and job creation in North Carolina.

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