OTC receives $1.7M federal grant for Richwood Valley campus

The U.S. Department of Commerce this morning announced $1.7 million grant for Ozarks Technical Community College through the federal department’s Economic Development Administration.

The funds are earmarked for a new workforce training facility at OTC's Richwood Valley campus in Christian County, according to a news release. The expansion to the Nixa campus would allow for the growth of its agricultural industry and line worker training programs, and the grant is slated to be matched by $3.1 million in local funds.

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support place-based, locally led economic development,” said Alejandra Y. Castillo, assistant secretary of commerce for economic development, in the release. "This project will expand the capacity of Ozarks Technical Community College to provide critical workforce training, spurring quality job growth in southwest Missouri.”

Gov. Mike Parson added that the funding would help OTC "further strengthen its workforce training programs and benefit more Missourians."

"Projects like this, coupled with our efforts at the state level, are how Missouri is emerging as a leader in workforce programs and a prime destination for business investment," he said in the release.