January 11, 2024

Duckworth Announces $225,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Workforce Development, Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Testing

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $225,000 she secured through a Fiscal Year 2023 Congressionally Directed Spending Request will be sent by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to Current for the development of a pilot, entry-level job training program centered on wastewater-based epidemiology. Built on a collaborative effort between Current, Discovery Partners Institute and the Chicago Department of Public Health to track pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 through community wastewater sampling, the Duckworth-secured federal funding will help build a new training program and accelerate the development of inclusive workforce pathways in water careers.

“Our state and our nation are stronger when we invest in our communities and families—and that’s one of the things Congressionally Directed Spending allows us to do,” said Duckworth. “I’m so proud I was able to secure this critical support for Current that will not just help support workforce development but help ensure our water is safe. I’m dedicated to ensuring Illinois continues to build upon our career training efforts. Investing in workforce development—and in working families—is key to uplifting our state and building a better future.”

“We have a major opportunity in Illinois to lead the nation by creating clear pathways to employment in the blue economy and training programs that help people reach the first step on a career ladder,” said Alaina Harkness, Executive Director of Current. “This Congressionally Directed Spending will support an important new entry point to a world of fulfilling careers that improve the way we manage water and public health. We are grateful to Senator Duckworth for recognizing the value and championing the effort.”

This program will create opportunities for hands-on experience with wastewater sampling, specimen management, field work and community engagement for individuals from historically disinvested communities and those who are underrepresented in water-related industries in Illinois. Current, with partners from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Cara Collective, City Colleges of Chicago, and Discovery Partners Institute will also map related career pathways based on the skills gained through the training program so participants can use their experience to prepare for good-paying jobs and careers in water-related fields. 

Current is a Chicago-based nonprofit water innovation hub working to grow an inclusive blue economy, accelerate adoption of innovative water technologies and solve pressing water challenges. Current was founded in Chicago in 2016 in partnership with the City of Chicago, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, World Business Chicago and the region’s research universities.

In FY22, Duckworth and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) secured $211 million through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for Illinois and another $182 million for Illinois in FY23. A map detailing where funding has gone throughout Illinois can be found here. The CDS process enables Members of Congress to allocate existing funding for specific local projects by units of government, nonprofit organizations and other organizations that meet strict eligibility requirements. Senator Duckworth worked with an Independent Review Board to examine and evaluate worthwhile projects focused on building infrastructure, stimulating economic development and providing essential services for Illinois communities.

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