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Wallace State awarded $1.1M federal grant for EV project

Wallace State Community College has been awarded a more-than $1.1 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for an electric vehicle project.

The grant, awarded through the commission’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative, was for $1,169,958 for the Supporting Electric Vehicle Manufacturing and Maintenance in North Alabama project, according to a news release. The money will provide funding for on-the-job training and certifications for students and workers, creating a talent pipeline for careers in the EV industry.

“The Appalachian Regional Commission has been an integral partner in promoting workforce development in Alabama, and today’s announcement reaffirms ARC’s commitment to helping our state prosper,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa).

The grant will be used by Wallace State to upgrade its Mechatronics Program and create EV programs in its Automotive Services and Diesel Technician programs, the news release said. The school plans to partner with the American Trucking Association, Freightliner, Kenworth, and Mercedes-Benz to bring its programs into alignment with EV needs.

The program aims to serve 230 students annually. The ARC POWER initiative helps communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in the coal industry due to the changing economics of America’s energy production.

David Palmore is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News.

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