WAYNE, W.Va. — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced Friday that a $1.8 million grant was awarded to the Coalfield Development Corporation of Wayne.
The grant through the Department’s Economic Development Administration aims to rehabilitate the corporation’s West Edge Factory and accommodate workforce training and job placement programs.
After nine years, more than 320 program participants will either be employed by Coalfield or will have graduated and moved on to other employment opportunities, according to estimates released Friday.
“The Obama administration is committed to assisting coal-impacted communities diversify and grow and to ensure workers gain the skills they need to compete for in-demand jobs,” said Pritzker. “This EDA investment will spur economic diversification in Wayne, Mingo, and Lincoln counties. Each of these counties is looking to create new opportunities in the wake of changes within the coal industry.”
Numerous public and private partners will be involved in the placement and hiring of program graduates.