Article Summary –
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is granting $4 million to the Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation in Tucson, Arizona, to construct a 3,200-square-foot workforce development facility and acquire heavy equipment for training in construction trades, expected to create 135 jobs. This investment, supported by various government officials including Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, and Senator Mark Kelly, aims to provide the Pascua Yaqui community with the necessary skills for quality jobs, thereby strengthening the local economy and creating new job opportunities. Representative Ruben Gallego emphasized that this funding aligns with efforts to support economic growth and job training in Indigenous communities.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4 million grant to the Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation, in Tucson, Arizona, to support workforce development at the Pascua Yaqui Reservation and surrounding community.
This grant will support construction of a 3,200-square-foot workforce development facility and the acquisition of heavy equipment to facilitate training in the construction trades. This EDA investment is expected to create 135 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is about ensuring that all communities have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy, and this EDA investment will get members of the Pascua Yaqui community the skills they need for quality jobs in the construction trades,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will bolster the construction and labor industry, creating new job opportunities while helping to diversify the local economy.”
“Today’s $4 million investment will boost business opportunities for the Pascua Yaqui Reservation – supporting strong career paths for Pascua Yaqui Tribe members and fueling economic growth in Southern Arizona,” said Senator Kyrsten Sinema.
“Arizona’s economy has unique needs, especially in rural and tribal communities, and it’s important that we continue to support these areas through targeted investments,” said Senator Mark Kelly. “This funding for the Pascua Yaqui community is a prime example of how we can create good-paying jobs and bolster our workforce. By constructing a new training facility and providing essential resources, we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient economy for Southern Arizona.”
“As a senior member and former chair of the Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples, I have always fought for economic and job opportunities in Indian Country,” said Representative Ruben Gallego (AZ-03). “It’s great to see our work pay off with investments like this one, which will create new job training opportunities to help Pascua Yaqui and the surrounding community thrive.”
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