(Atlantic, IA) – Three local leaders in Cass County commented Monday (Today), following the announcement by 3rd District Republican Congressman Zach Nunn, that he had secured funding amounting to $900,000 through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process, to support renovations and equipment upgrades at Iowa Western Community College’s Atlantic and Clarinda Rural Centers, thereby expanding hands-on training opportunities for skilled trades.
Atlantic Mayor Rob Clausen said “This is a big win for Atlantic.”
Clausen said the $900,000 investment should send a clear signal that young people don’t have to leave home to find opportunities to work in the trades industry.
He said local companies like Elite Octane and Atlantic Bottling need skilled workers in order to continue to grow.
Cass County Board of Supervisor’s Chair Steve Baier commented on the local entrepreneurs who have and will continue to benefit from the type of programs Iowa Western Community College can offer through the funding opportunity Congressman Nunn secured.
CADCO (Cass-Atlantic Economic Development Corporation) Executive Director Jennifer McEntaffer said “In my line of work, which is economic development, the partnership between IWCC and our workforce is very important.”
Atlantic Mayor Rob Clausen added, “This is a real investment in our people, our businesses and our future, and we’re proud to host this project here in Atlantic.” (As mentioned in a previous story) In Atlantic, the funds will be used to turn underutilized space into a new lab dedicated to manufacturing, construction, electrical, and plumbing instruction.
