WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) along with U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor today announced the city of Camden will receive a $200,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to provide job training for residents who have been impacted by redevelopment and environmental remediation of brownfield areas.  Giving priority to the underemployed and unemployed, the city of Camden plans to recruit 30 students from Camden and surrounding counties, place at least 19 graduates in environmental technician jobs, and track students for one year.

Working in conjunction with Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) and the Arkansas Workforce Center, the city of Camden will conduct three, 344-hour training cycles, which includes coursework in groundwater remediation, disposal of remediated waste, and asbestos supervision.  Upon completion of the training, twelve certifications will be offered and students will be placed in environmental jobs.

“I was proud to help secure this federal grant for Camden so it can partner with SAU Tech to not only help keep our communities clean and safe, but also to produce a future generation of environmental leaders,” said Ross.  “I commend Mayor Claybaker on his efforts to make Camden a leader in this field and for partnering with the educational community to promote 21st century, green jobs.”

“With today’s rising unemployment numbers, it is critical for Arkansans to have access to training and resources that allow them to compete in the job market. This federal funding will help residents in the Camden area gain skills for success while also enhancing our communities and the environment. I remain committed to ensuring that our state receives federal support to increase local economic development and preserve our natural resources,” said Lincoln.

 “This is an excellent opportunity for Camden residents to gain hands-on experience in a growing industry thirsty for new leaders,” said Pryor.  “The work of these students will have a lasting impact on the surrounding environment and improve quality of life for the entire Camden community.”

The EPA’s Brownfields Program empowers states, communities and other stakeholders in economic development to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields, which are real properties, developments, or expansions that may be contaminated by hazardous substances and pollutants.