September 20, 2024

Wyden, Merkley Announce Federal Investment in Manufacturing Equipment for Columbia Gorge Community College

Washington D.C.— U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced a nearly $300,000 federal investment for Columbia Gorge Community College to add manufacturing equipment to its Advanced Manufacturing and Technology program. 

“In my nearly 1,100 town halls throughout Oregon, I hear regularly about the need for local workforce development and creating avenues of success for young Oregonians,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified this federal investment in the Gorge combines both those objectives by giving Oregon’s future workforce and entrepreneurs the practical tools they need to help them blaze their own trails.” 

“If we don’t make things in America, we won’t have a middle class in America, and when Oregon’s manufacturing industry does well, all Oregonians benefit,” said Merkley, who secured funding for this community-initiated project as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This Columbia Gorge Community College program helps set a path for young Oregonians to reach high-paying careers in manufacturing—opportunities they may not see in the traditional classroom setting. This is the exact kind of project that Senator Wyden and I are pushing to fund, and we’ll keep pushing to ensure CGCC has the necessary equipment to support its programs.” 

This funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology  will allow the community college to add milling and additive manufacturing equipment into its Columbia Gorge Regional Skills Center, aligning student training with the needs of the industry while fostering small business growth by providing public access to the equipment.

"The Columbia Gorge Regional Skills Center is an exemplification of Columbia Gorge Community College’s (CGCC) commitment to fostering inclusive prosperity in our region through education and innovation," said Dr. Kenneth Lawson, Columbia Gorge Community College President. “By providing access to state-of-the-art 3D printing, CNC milling, and welding equipment, we are empowering students, local, and statewide small and medium businesses alike to transform their ideas into tangible products. This initiative aligns perfectly with CGCC's mission to ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to succeed. We are incredibly grateful for Senator Ron Wyden's and Senator Jeff Merkley’s unwavering support in again securing this vital grant from NIST, which enables us to continue offering these invaluable resources and programs.” 

"The impact of the Regional Skills Center extends far beyond the classroom, driving economic growth by supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Robert Wells-Clark, Lead Instructor of Advanced Manufacturing & Fabrication at Columbia Gorge Community College. “Our 'Community Fridays' initiative shows how CGCC is bridging the gap between great ideas and their realization, providing access to essential tools and guidance at minimal cost. This approach not only democratizes access to advanced manufacturing technology but also strengthens our regional economy by fostering innovation right here at home. We deeply appreciate Senators Wyden's and Merkley’s assistance in securing this grant, which allows us to continue this important work and further enhance the skills and capabilities of our community.”