Springfield collects $500K grant from EPA

The City of Springfield Department of Workforce Development was awarded a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The funding is earmarked for the city to continue and expand the Green for Greene environmental job training program, according to a news release.

"Nationally as well as regionally, demand for a skilled workforce has risen," Deputy City Manager Maurice Jones said in the release. "This program provides participants the opportunity to become a part of the growing supply of skilled workers."

The increased funding will allow Green for Greene to offer expanded certifications for environmental jobs. In addition to 13 certifications currently offered, the program will add a commercial driver's license initiative with hazmat endorsement.

The city previously received four rounds of EPA funding in the amount of $200,000 per round, according to the release.