Shenandoah County EDA approves $20,000 grant to help 13 Triplett Tech students attend Laurel Ridge heavy-equipment program

The Shenandoah County Economic Development Authority voted unanimously Feb. 18 to award a $20,000 grant to Laurel Ridge Community College to support 13 Triplett Tech students seeking heavy-equipment operator credentials.

The motion, made by EDA member Mike Funk and seconded by Abby Walters, authorizes the EDA attorney to prepare a customary grant agreement for execution by the chairman or vice chairman. Acting Triplett Tech Principal Liz Hopkins told the EDA the total cost for the group would be about $48,000 and that other community contributors were helping, but "another $20,000 was needed to help these students attend and complete this program," according to the meeting minutes.

Laurel Ridge presenters said the Heavy Equipment Operator class tuition is $3,795 per student. The EDA discussed both meeting the immediate $20,000 request and building a more comprehensive local funding approach if state FastForward resources remain limited.

The grant award was made as part of a wider staff discussion about workforce credentialing and local partnerships; the EDA will execute a grant agreement with Laurel Ridge and follow up on program funding options at a future meeting.