Washington, Dec 13, 2006 - Congressman Patrick McHenry today announced $1.899 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) investments to the Cleveland and Mitchell counties. The investments are expected to help create more than 470 jobs and generate more than $59 million in private investment.

“It is fitting that this great news comes so close to Christmas!” said Congressman Patrick McHenry. “Economic development investments - like these in Cleveland and Mitchell counties - open a door of opportunity by strengthening our local workforce training programs. Going forward, education is the key to economic development and these investments pave the road for more jobs and better training - it's a win-win situation for our community.”

“I applaud Mayland and Cleveland Community Colleges for securing this grant funding to help build critical job training facilities,” said Senator Elizabeth Dole. “I am a huge believer in our community colleges. They are leading the way in training and retraining workers for high growth fields, like health sciences. These workforce training centers will be tremendous assets to these North Carolina colleges and the communities they serve.”

The investments include:

· $1 million to the Cleveland Community College of Shelby to help build the Allied Health and Science Center for workforce training. The investment is expected to create 340 jobs and generate $37 million in private investment.

· $899,000 to Mayland Community College of Spruce Pine to help build a health sciences workforce training facility. The investment is expected to attract $29.95 million in private investment and create 133 jobs.

“President Bush and I are committed to partnering with communities to promote innovation and competitiveness. Through economic development grants like these, the Commerce Department will continue to encourage investments in local areas, grow the economy and create jobs,” said Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez.

EDA serves as a venture capital resource to meet the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. EDA’s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.