Federal dollars flowing to SWGA to help train heavy equipment operators

Last week Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) supported the Fiscal Year 2023 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) funding bill during its consideration by the full House Appropriations Committee.

The bill strengthens public health infrastructure by investing in cutting-edge biomedical research to prevent disease and improve quality of life for all Americans. It supports child care, Head Start, and preschool development grants. It also makes crucial investments in education so that every American has the opportunity to reach his or her potential in the 21st Century economy. The bill helps create and sustain good-paying American jobs by funding job training, apprenticeship programs, and worker protection.

"I am proud to support these vital investments that will create and sustain jobs, train our workforce, and strengthen education initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. This bill also will bolster medical research into life-saving cures and treatments, and ensure that our public health system can withstand any pressure and future challenges," said Congressman Bishop. "And I am especially pleased that the funding we secured for the Second Congressional District will address some of the important community needs in both our urban and rural areas."

Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council will receive $1,000,000 to train heavy equipment operators to fill the many vacant positions that exist in Southwest Georgia as well as other areas of the state. The project will provide employment opportunities for high school or vocational school students, individuals reentering the workforce after time spent in a correctional facility, individuals in a workforce development program, and individuals who already have jobs but are interested in learning and mastering skills to improve their financial future.

Rhonda Gordon Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council noted, "This project will have positive economic and environmental benefits for Southwest Georgia. In Southwest Georgia alone, there are over 3,400 miles of unpaved roads, many of which have caused major difficulties for farmers, timber producers and other agricultural and livestock operations trying to get their products to market. The project will foster local industry partnerships to train heavy equipment operators to repair the roads, keeping them open and safe for business and citizens to travel."