VARNVILLE - Dreams of a more vital secondary education campus right here in Hampton County came one step closer to reality last week.
On June 18, the U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced a $598,000 grant to the Technical College of the Lowcountry, Hampton County, and the Technical College of the Lowcountry Area Commission in Beaufort, to renovate TCL's Mungin Center to serve as a workforce training center.
"This is absolutely wonderful for Hampton County," County Administrator Sabrena Graham said. In recent months the county has been working closely with its Economic Development Commission and TCL to upgrade the campus in Varnville.
The redesign and revitalization of the local campus will hopefully spearhead an economic development boom for Hampton County's struggling economy.
"The renovations planned for the Mungin Center are exciting!" said Sandy Fowler, Executive Director of the Hampton County Economic Development Commission. "We have already hosted a meeting of our existing manufacturers and TCL staff to plan and design a metal and plastics lab and it was incredible to watch our local businessmen work with the leaders of TCL to develop a list of equipment and curriculum. This rejuvenated campus will be a tremendous asset as we work to strengthen and support our existing industries and recruit new manufacturers to Hampton County."
The EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department that supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
"The Economic Development Administration is pleased to partner with the Technical College of the Lowcountry to boost business development and job growth," said Sandra R. Walters, EDA Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer. "This EDA grant will help build a manufacturing-based training center that is expected to attract $5.4 million in private investment and create 145 jobs for local citizens, according to grantee estimates."