Cowlitz Corner: Economic Development Administration awards grant to Lower Columbia College

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded an $845,000 grant to Lower Columbia College in Longview that will be used to train workers in careers related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The EDA competitive Public Works Assistance Grant will help replace outdated equipment that supports the college’s nationally-recognized nursing, medical-assisting and health occupation programs.

“This announcement is great news for Lower Columbia College, workers and employers in Cowlitz County,” said Washington Senator Maria Cantwell. “I’m proud to support this important investment to provide workforce training for jobs in the rapidly growing fields of health care and STEM. These tools allow Lower Columbia College to better develop a skilled workforce that will support business growth in Southwest Washington.”

Officials in Cowlitz County hope the grant will help bring more STEM-related businesses to the region – a need identified in the county’s economic development plan.