The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently invested $142,500 into a commercial truck driving course in Noble, Illinois operated by Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC), which could add more than 400 jobs in the area.
“The community colleges serve an area that certainly can use an economic boost, and I believe this grant will provide just that,” U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) said. “As a matter of fact, EDA anticipates 458 jobs will be created as a result of this project. It comes at a time when truck drivers are in high demand.”
While most of the funding is earmarked for equipment needed for the course, including a tractor trailer, training and job search assistance also will be provided.
“The funds from this grant will allow our instructors to use the latest technology and provide the highest quality training," Jervaise McDaniel, grant administrator at IECC, said.
The merit-based EDA grant will make up half of the total $285,000 needed to create the course. The funding was awarded to applicants through a selective process and based on funding availability.
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