$20.1 million to be allocated to education, workforce and healthcare initiatives in IowaCreated: 7/29/2010 7:52:42 PMIowa Senator Tom Harkin announced on Wednesday he has secured $20.1 million for critical education, workforce and healthcare projects to enhance the lives of those living in Central Iowa.
Spectrum resources will receive $200,000 from the new funding initiative to expand on the Project Phoenix job training program, specifically focusing on enhancing training opportunities for individuals in fiber-optic cable installation and repair.
“In these touch economic times, it is important that we invest in our future - a future where children have a quality education to earn good jobs and stay competitive in the global economy, where Iowans have access to critical job training and where investments are made to increase the health and well-being of all residents,” he said.
The new funding comes at an opportune time, as Iowa is looking to invest millions of dollars in its fiber-optic network infrastructure.
The state will receive $16.2 million in grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for upgrades to its existing 3,000-mile fiber-optic network. Before the numerous schools and health facilities throughout the state can benefit from improved internet connections, Iowa will need to train individuals to install and lay the cables properly and efficiently.
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