Washington,
Jul 6, 2006 -
Congressmen Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Charles Taylor (R-NC) today announced the U.S. House of Representatives approved a $500,000 federal grant to the North Carolina Center for Engineering Technologies – based in Hickory – through the Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act for FY 2007 (H.R. 5672) to support a workforce development program.
“The Engineering Center is a special collaboration between higher education, manufacturing and government partners, working together to boost the economic development initiatives in our region,” Congressman McHenry said. “I applaud Congressman Taylor for his help in securing these funds, which will support our ongoing efforts to equip Western North Carolina’s workers with the necessary tools for new and emerging jobs. This is a great step for our region and a solid marker that economic progress is underway.”
“In order for Western North Carolina to grow and prosper, we have got to work together as a region,” Congressman Taylor said. “This project is a perfect example of that type of regional co-operation. Workers with engineering skills are crucial in order to attract new jobs, and these funds will help to ensure that Western North Carolina has that valuable recruitment tool.”
Future Forward – an Economic Development Administration-sponsored entity – acquired a 55,200-square-foot facility that will house a variety of vocational, engineering and technology programs provided through the University of North Carolina (UNC) and the community college systems. Western Carolina University will offer the initial degree program in engineering technology beginning later this year following renovation of the facility as a higher education center. Ultimately, the facility will become a part of the UNC system.
“I appreciate Congressmen McHenry and Taylor for their commitment in keeping this project moving forward,” Phil Walker, co-chairman of the Partners for the North Carolina Center for Engineering, said. “This is one more step toward developing our job center and we’re moving in the right direction.”
A fundraising campaign to purchase and renovate the building, as well as provide initial equipment, has generated commitments totaling more than $1.6 million in cash and in-kind commitments from public and private sources, including $200,000 grants from the City of Hickory and Catawba County and $100,000 from Caldwell County. Support from the private industry has come from Continental Teves, Caterpillar Inc., Shuretape Technologies Inc., BB & T and Wachovia, among others.
“Education is the key to economic growth, and we’ll continue pushing to fund the initiatives that will ensure our region is a magnet for futures industries,” Congressman McHenry added.
The House passed H.R. 5672 by a vote of 393 to 23. The bill has been received by the Senate where it now awaits action.
