Image via State Center Community College District

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Tuesday a $1.2 million grant for Fresno City College to bolster its welding and automotive repair program.

The money from Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will be used for supplies and training equipment for the West Fresno Advanced Training Center, currently under construction on 39 acres at Church and Walnut avenues in west Fresno. It is expected to open for classes next year.

The $86.5 million project is funded by $70 million from facilities bonds and $16.5 million from City of Fresno’s Transformative Climate Community allotment from the state.

This EDA investment will bolster Fresno City College’s ability to train and prepare students for good-paying jobs in welding and automotive repair, according to a news release. The EDA investment will be matched with $319,386 in local funds and is expected to create 324 jobs and generate $14.6 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“Fresno City College has been a leader in developing a strong workforce in the automotive and repair industry,” said Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno). “This investment will meet today’s demand for a highly skilled workforce by enhancing automotive training, boosting electric vehicle (EV) technology, and creating good-paying jobs here in the San Joaquin Valley.”