U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Expand Public Safety Workforce Development in Grand Rapids, Michigan

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, to support firefighter workforce development in the region.

This grant will construct a five-story firefighter training facility to prepare residents for quality, in-demand jobs. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.5 million in local funds and is expected to create 300 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

"The Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America Agenda ensures that all communities have the resources and opportunities they need to compete and thrive," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo."This EDA investment will advance that mission by strengthening the public safety resources in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan so that the region can continue to build a strong local economy."

"The U.S. Economic Development Administration is proud to partner with the city of Grand Rapids as it builds a strong workforce," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. "This project will tackle a firefighter shortage throughout West Michigan and provide realistic training scenarios to ensure the safety of local residents and businesses, securing hundreds of good-paying union jobs over the next decade."

"Today's public safety investment from the Biden-Harris administration in Grand Rapids will build a new training facility for the next generation of fire fighters and support 300 good-paying local jobs," saidGovernor Gretchen Whitmer. "Since I took office, we have invested more than $1.6 billion across six balanced, bipartisan budgets to protect public safety. I am grateful to our partners in the administration and our congressional delegation for sending us the resources to reduce crime, save lives, and keep our communities safe."

"Emergency preparedness and public safety begins with recruiting and training brave first responders. With this grant, Grand Rapids will have the funds to construct the training facility our beloved city and brave first responders deserve," said Representative Hilary Scholten (MI-3). "This grant will have positive ripple effects within our community, even beyond the readiness it ensures. With 300 more good-paying, union jobs in Grand Rapids, we can expect economic growth and prosperity for West Michigan."