Stabenow, Peters Applaud $2.5 Million Grant for Muskegon Community College

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today applauded a $2,514,000 grant for Muskegon Community College to be used for renovations of the new Muskegon College Applied Technology Center. The funding comes from the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Public Works Program.

"Manufacturing has always been a driving force in Muskegon's economy," said Senator Stabenow. "This support will help Muskegon Community College continue to train the next generation of workers while giving entrepreneurs a place to grow their ideas, which will create jobs and boost the local economy."

"We must ensure our community colleges have the necessary tools and resources to prepare students for the jobs of the future so they can help our communities continue to grow and thrive," said Senator Peters. "This funding will allow Muskegon Community College to provide students with applied technology and workforce training that is critical to improving economic competitiveness, creating jobs and promoting further investment in the Muskegon region."

This award will help Muskegon Community College renovate the former Chronicle Newspaper Building in downtown Muskegon to create the new Muskegon College Applied Technology Center. The Center will offer applied technology certifications, entrepreneurial programs and space for workforce training in areas including Machining, Welding, Materials/Foundry, Electronics, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Mechatronics/Automation/Robotics and Plastic Technologies. The Center will also be home to the Fab Lab, which will serve as an incubator for entrepreneurs to develop and market their innovations. The EDA's Public Works Program is dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness, development and revitalization of communities by investing in key public infrastructure.