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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) today announced that Mid-South Community College in West Memphis will receive $2 million to construct a Diesel-Biodiesel Technology Education Center. The center will help develop a well-trained, highly skilled labor force for the transportation, agriculture, and heavy construction industries of Arkansas. The funds are provided through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
“Diesel-biodiesel technology is a growing specialty within a variety of Arkansas industries. This assistance will not only help students at Mid-South Community College gain the skills and knowledge for success, it will also help contribute to local economic development. I’m pleased to see our state receive this funding, and I’ll continue to fight for priorities that help Arkansas remain competitive in today’s economy,” said Lincoln.
“Alternative energy technology is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country and the world, and a key to helping America become energy independent. These funds will help students at Mid-South Community College acquire the tools they need to have successful, high demand careers and bring economic development opportunities to the West Memphis community,” Pryor said.
“A skilled work force is essential for economic development,” said Berry. “Our state depends heavily on the trucking, agricultural and construction industries and this funding will help our state train workers for quality jobs in this difficult economy. Mid-South Community College has a well deserved, outstanding reputation and I have no doubt they will put these federal dollars to good use helping people gain the skills they need to begin a new career.”
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