Grassley: Iowa Community Colleges Receive Grants for Training Programs to Bolster Trucking Industry Workforce
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) announced Iowa community colleges will receive federal funds for their motor vehicle operations programs, which provide pathways for veterans and other individuals to secure commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs). Awardees include Hawkeye Community College, the Des Moines Area Community College and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges.
“Iowa trucking is responsible for thousands of jobs and serves as a critical link for so many industries across our state. But stubborn workforce shortages continue to pose challenges,” Grassley said. “Our community colleges have stepped up by establishing programs that equip Iowans with tools to pursue their career goals and help businesses bolster their rosters. This funding will provide these three colleges needed resources to maintain and grow their CDL training offerings.”
“Through this funding, Hawkeye Community College is able to train more individuals for good-paying jobs as CDL drivers and provide tuition assistance to our veterans, recognizing their service and dedication to our country,” said Aaron Sauerbrei, Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Workforce Development, Hawkeye Community College.
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) grants were allocated in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, bipartisan legislation Grassley supported to strengthen the local economy through job creation, enhanced connectivity and supply chain improvements. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Robin Hutcheson visited Waterloo to announce this latest tranche of CMVOST funding. The awards will be disbursed as follows:
- $200,000 for Hawkeye Community College
- $196,000 for Des Moines Area Community College
- $80,460 for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Grassley called for expanded access to CDL training amid supply chain constraints following the COVID-19 pandemic.
