INVESTING IN WATER: EPA Grant Brings 1 Million to GRCC [Video]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — The Environmental Protection Agency is investing 20 million dollars in the water workforce and Grand Rapids Community College is getting some.

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, the EPA has recognized 13 workforce development organizations. Of those 13 organizations that received money from the Water Workforce Development Grant Program, only one is from Michigan.

“We need to be training the next generation of individuals for these highly technical jobs that are essential,” explained Congresswomen Hillary Scholten.

The issue is sustainability. The water sector is facing a wave of retirements nationwide. That means the next generation of waterworks employees must be developed.

“We want to make sure that we bring in young people to encourage them to take these roles on. They’re important roles,” explained Bruno Pigott, the Acting Assistant Administrator of the Office of Water at the EPA.

For West Michigan, Grand Rapids …