Tester announces $500,000 investment for Miles Community College workforce training facility

Grant will be used to help diversify economy in southeast Montana

(U.S. Senate) – Senator Jon Tester today announced that Miles Community College (MCC) will receive nearly $530,000 to create a workforce training facility.

The grant, which comes from the Economic Development Administration, will be used to acquire and renovate a former National Guard Armory so MCC can expand its vocational training programs, including classes for Commercial Drivers Licenses and Heavy Equipment Operator Licenses.

“Miles Community College should be commended for its commitment to Montana’s economy,” said Tester, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “MCC’s workforce training expansion will help attract new businesses and ensure that the next generation of Montanans can do the jobs that our state’s businesses need.”

“MCC is very excited to receive the EDA grant for the refurbishment of the old Armory,” said MCC President Stacy Klippenstein. “In conjunction with CDBG-ED funds, we are able to have a needed facility for the expansion of our CDL training and heavy equipment operations programs. Thanks to the help of Senator Tester and the rest of the delegation we were able to receive this award that will benefit workforce development in eastern Montana.”

EDA grants are awarded on a competitive basis.