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Tunica County prioritizes workforce development implementation of $1M DOL grant; museum agrees to share space
Summary
Board approved use of county space and a workforce expansion plan tied to a $1 million Department of Labor grant to run CDL, EMT and manufacturing training; the Tunica River Park Museum agreed to partner and share space for the program.
The Tunica County Board of Supervisors heard an update and approved a workforce expansion to implement a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The workforce presentation described plans for CDL, EMT, manufacturing and renewable‑energy technician training and detailed how the county would schedule cohorts over the 36‑month grant period.
Miss Youngs, the workforce development representative, told the board the grant will fund CDL classes (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6–9 p.m.), an EMT class on Saturdays (9 a.m.–3 p.m.), and manufacturing training that relies on 15 simulators currently held at Coahoma Community College until the county can provide a permanent space. Youngs said the grant includes training on two electric cars for hands‑on instruction and noted the renewable‑energy portion remained on hold pending specifications for technician needs.
Why it matters: County economic-development staff and supervisors emphasized local employers are looking for a trained workforce; supervisors repeatedly urged that workforce training take priority over some museum exhibit plans to help residents find jobs and attract new business.
Museum space and partnership: Representatives of the Tunica River Park Museum said they were willing to partner and make space available for the workforce program. The museum’s director said the institution still plans future exhibit expansions but will coordinate with county administration and economic development to share Room 1–4 layouts proposed for training use.
Board action and logistics: The board voted to approve the workforce expansion to accommodate Department of Labor grant programs (the motion carried). Discussion covered cohort scheduling (three cohorts per year for three years), data reporting requirements from the Department of Labor, and the likelihood of recruiting county employees and local residents, including farmers and first responders; the presenter said the first EMT class included 11 fire personnel and four additional registrants.
Follow up: Workforce staff requested additional space and flagged a likely need for additional personnel to handle the grant’s demographic and reporting requirements. Staff will work with the county administrator to finalize the rooms, install simulators, calibrate equipment in place and report back to the board on space and staffing needs.
Ending: The board approved the plan and directed staff to continue implementation and interdepartmental coordination.
