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Kent County, Michigan
For Immediate Release: June 28, 2023
Contact: Phil Meade
PH: 616-856-1984
EM: phillip.meade@kentcountymi.gov
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Kent County awards ARPA grants to improve workforce, business development
Grand Rapids (June 28, 2023) - The Kent County Board of Commissioners today announced it has secured formal contracts to award more than $1.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants to improve workforce and business development opportunities in the region.
“Job training programs and workforce development have an important two-fold benefit for local families and our region as a whole,” said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Stan Stek. “They give people the skills needed to land good-paying, career-oriented jobs while strengthening our overall workforce. That, in turn, encourages more economic development projects and good-paying jobs to our area.”
The two projects announced today include:
West Michigan Construction Institute expansion – $1 million
In order to meet the growing demand for skilled trades education in West Michigan, the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) will expand its facility with a lab addition equipping WMCI to offer two new trade programs for high school students, adult students, and commercial construction industry professionals. The expansion will also increase the number of credentials conferred to West Michigan’s commercial construction workforce. The project, with a total cost of $3 million, is planned to launch in late 2024 and will be completed in early 2025.
“There is a huge demand for new skilled trades professionals in the construction industry, and since opening our doors just over a year ago, we are overwhelmed with interest in our programs from people across our region,” said Jen Schottke, president of WMCI. “Commercial construction continues to be a driving force in West Michigan’s economy. To give you an understanding of the need for construction professionals, nearly half of Kent County’s ARPA-funded projects are construction projects, which will require a skilled workforce that WMCI helps provide. We are honored to be selected by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and are grateful for the opportunity to make a greater impact in our region.”
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Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce – $138,000
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce is launching a new monthly and quarterly Small Business and Workforce Development, Support, and Training series that offers networking events and training on topics pertinent to the region’s small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-up businesses, business leaders, and employees. The series will launch this year and run through 2026 with the support of Kent County.
“We’re pleased to receive this ARPA grant because it will help the Wyoming, Kentwood and surrounding community businesses continue to grow and sustain jobs,” said Keith Morgan, president/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. “Many small-business owners and people just starting businesses need additional support to help grow, especially after the pandemic. This grant will help drive our community’s economic growth.”
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Kent County ARPA Funding Background
In December, the Kent County Board of Commissioners voted to fund 30 projects that draw on the $127.6 million Kent County received through ARPA. In total, more than $108 million was allocated in this round of funding.
The remaining funds will be placed in a contingency fund for unanticipated needs or new/increased expenses to complete a funded proposal. All ARPA funding commitments must be allocated by Dec. 31, 2024, but the County has until December 2026 to spend the funds.
The Board will announce other ARPA projects in the coming weeks.
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