{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=92B26AE6-60D9-43E5-9211-CC3DC81C78A7", "The Center for Rural Development breaks ground on new Regional Training Center", "2026-08-24", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "KY", "Harold Rogers", "R000395", "halrogers.house.gov", "halrogers", "https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "New facility will expand advanced workforce training and career opportunities across Southern and Eastern Kentucky\n\nSomerset, KY (Aug. 24, 2026) - The Center for Rural Development today celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking of a new Regional Training Center that will expand workforce development, provide advanced training opportunities, and strengthen the skilled workforce across Southern and Eastern Kentucky.\n\nThe new 12,500-square-foot facility, with a budget of approximately $5 million, will expand access to specialized technical training in high-demand fields, giving participants hands-on experience with modern equipment, industry-recognized curricula, and opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials.\n\n\u201cThe Center\u2019s new regional training hub will elevate our workforce to be qualified for more aerospace and defense technologies, giving our people the space to grow and thrive in their own hometowns,\u201d said U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers, who helped create The Center for Rural Development 30 years ago. \u201cBusiness owners across our district have told me that we have the best workforce in the country, and as we expand workforce skills, we can recruit new industries.\u201d\n\nThe Regional Training Center will focus on preparing individuals for careers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, aviation, electronics, and defense-related industries.\n\n\u201cThis is a monumental day and major milestone for The Center for Rural Development as we continue our commitment to building a stronger workforce and bringing specialized, high-quality training closer to home,\u201d said Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO. \u201cThis facility will equip people with the skills and industry connections they need for rewarding careers while helping regional employers build the skilled workforce they need to grow.\u201d\n\nAdvanced Manufacturing Training\n\nThe Center for Rural Development will partner with the eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI) to provide hands-on advanced manufacturing instruction modeled after eKAMI\u2019s successful workforce training programs.\n\nTraining opportunities are expected to include:\n\nCNC machining, programming, machine setup and operation\n\nHands-on instruction using CNC mills and CNC lathes\n\nCAD/CAM and Mastercam programming and design\n\nPrecision measurement, inspection and quality control, including Coordinate Measuring Machine Technology\n\nRobotics, automation and advanced manufacturing processes\n\nPreparation for industry-recognized manufacturing credentials\n\nCareer pathways in CNC machining, programming, quality control, robotics and other advanced manufacturing occupations\n\nAerospace and Defense Training\n\nThe facility will also establish a comprehensive Aerospace and Defense Technician Training Program designed to prepare participants for skilled technical careers within the growing aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors.\n\nTraining opportunities are expected to include:\n\nElectronics assembly, soldering, inspection and testing\n\nWire-harness fabrication and high-reliability electronics\n\nMechanical and aerospace assembly\n\nComposites and advanced manufacturing techniques\n\nCAD/CAM and technical design\n\nQuality systems, testing and inspection\n\nOpportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials\n\nPreparation for careers in aerospace manufacturing, electronics, assembly, testing, quality assurance and related technical fields\n\nThe aerospace initiative is being developed with input and expertise from regional and industry partners, including Morehead State University and SpaceTEC, with the goal of creating training pathways aligned with the skills and standards required by today's aerospace and defense employers.\n\nThe Regional Training Center represents another investment by The Center for Rural Development in expanding economic opportunity and connecting Kentucky workers with the training needed to compete for high-quality careers while helping employers build the talent pipeline necessary for continued growth.\n\nConstruction on the advanced-manufacturing facility is expected to be completed in September 2027.\n\nEstablished in 1996 through the vision of U.S. Congressman Harold \"Hal\" Rogers, (KY-05), and other leaders, The Center for Rural Development is a nonprofit organization fueled by a mission to provide leadership that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions and a better way of life in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. In its 45-county primary service region, The Center provides innovative programs in leadership, public safety, technology, and arts and culture. The Center is committed to constantly expanding its capabilities in order to deliver a range of key services throughout Kentucky and the nation.", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=92B26AE6-60D9-43E5-9211-CC3DC81C78A7"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.7579281702637672, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}