MRGDC approve Workforce Investment Act Grants

By: Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The Middle Rio Grande Development Council approved several Workforce Investment Act Grants for adults and youths for the nine county MRGDC region at their annual Board of Directors meeting held on August 28, 2014 presented by MRGDC Board member Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu, who serves on the MRGDC Workforce Committee.

A total of over $1,700,000 in Workforce Investment Act Grants were approved by MRGDC.

The Workforce investment Act was established by Congress in 1998 to help adults, youths, and dislocated workers across the United States to build work skills for available employment opportunities. Workforce Investment Act grants pays for certification exams, basic skills training, and specialized training in a particular industry or trade to fulfill job openings in industry.

A total of three grants were approved by MRGDC, including a $1,606,227 grant for adults to run from July 1, 2014 through July 30, 2016; a $666,851 youth grant; and a $467,699 grant for dislocated workers.

Middle Rio Grande adults, youths, and dislocated workers will benefit from these three grants during the next two years. Over 4,500 persons were assisted or served by various MRGDC grants during the past two years.