WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is awarding $429,000 in grant and loan funds to the Somerset-Pulaski County Development Foundation to construct a regional job training center. The center will provide workers with training and education for new and existing industries demanding greater technology skills.

“A trained, dedicated workforce is critical to continuing to expand and attract top-notch businesses to southern and eastern Kentucky,” said Rogers. “As the job market continues to demand greater skilled employees, we must make sure working men and women in our region have affordable access to top training. This funding will help us do just that.”

The facility, when completed, will be located adjacent to Valley Oak Industrial Park and will create 10 new jobs. The project builds upon a 2004 grant/loan package of $884,464 from USDA-Rural Development.

Rogers supports funding for the USDA through his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.