The US government has granted $1.8 million to the Construction Trades Academy in Southwest Viriginia.

The grant money comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and will be used for renovations at the campus, the purchase of new equipment and the hiring of new faculty, with a bit left over for student scholarships.

“I am pleased that the federal government is making a worthwhile investment,” said U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher Boucher, announcing the grant in a press release. “A well-educated work force in the construction industry will make this region more attractive to companies seeking new locations to expand their business.”