Council discusses $15 million package for workforce training, college facilities; no vote taken

Council member (sponsor) outlined a proposed $15 million appropriation on the floor of an informational council meeting, saying the package would fund five recipients to support workforce training and facility improvements.

The sponsor told attendees the proposed awards are: University of North Florida, $6,000,000; Florida State College at Jacksonville, $5,000,000; a Workforce Industrial Training Center, $3,250,000; Northeast Florida Builders Association, $1,000,000; and Edward Waters (EW), $2,700,000. The sponsor said EW originally sought $8.7 million but needs $2.7 million for year one of a three-phase plan. "UNF, $6,000,000, FSCJ, $5,000,000, workforce industrial training center, $3.25, NEFBA 1,000,000, and EW 2.7," the sponsor said.

Why it matters: council members said the package could be a quick way to expand apprenticeships, certifications and college-based training outside the…