Central Valley’s $23 million workforce grant: Promise of better jobs
Valley leaders celebrated a $23 million shot in arm for the region’s economy Thursday, as they announced Fresno, Madera, Kings and Tulare counties will share the federal grant for workforce training programs.
In an announcement at CTEC High School in central Fresno, the leaders said the project will boost the economy by creating well-paying jobs in financial services, manufacturing, transportation and construction industries.
The Good Jobs Challenge grant is a showcase piece of President Joe Biden’s $500 million American Rescue Plan, passed in 2021. The Valley grant is one of 32 training partnerships to provide aid in 31 states and Puerto Rico.
“Good things happen when good people come together,” said Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, of the regional cooperation that landed the grant.
The effort will be overseen by the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, a coalition of labor, and community leaders. Joining Costa at the high school were Lee Ann Eager, president of the corporation; Chuck Riojas of the Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings Building Trades Council; Madera County Supervisor Brett Frazier; and Shellena Heber, executive director of the Valley Center for the Blind. Also present were Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and officials from the California High Speed Rail project.
Officials say the grant is intended as a once-in-a-generation investment in high-quality, locally led workforce systems to dramatically transform America’s communities. It is focused on expanding career opportunities for more Americans to reach their full potential and secure good-paying jobs while competing in the 21st Century global economy.
Praising the regional teamwork, Frazier said:
“Workers don’t care where the county lines are; they go where the work is.”
He added: “$23 million sounds like an infrastructure bill, but what is a more important infrastructure than our workforce?”
Heber said the grant brings hope to those whose disabilities have left them locked out of the workforce. She noted 70% of those with vision disabilities are unemployed throughout the nation.
“They want to work,” she said. “And now, they are going to get a chance to do that.”