Funds will go toward TCL’s workforce training center being planned for the college’s Bluffton campus
The Technical College of the Lowcountry recently received a $150,000 grant from the City of Hardeeville to go toward the construction of the college’s Arthur E. Brown Regional Workforce Training Center.
“We truly appreciate the City of Hardeeville and its commitment to advancing education and fostering economic growth in our communities,” said TCL President Dr. Richard Gough who was on hand along with representatives from the city for a check presentation held Dec. 10 at TCL’s New River Campus.
TCL broke ground on the training center earlier this year following a $10 million appropriation from the State of South Carolina in 2023, part of a total $21 million in combined support from the state and Beaufort County. When completed, the new facility will feature 50,000 square feet of space with a capacity for 850 students.
Attending Tuesday’s presentation were members of Hardeeville City Council, Hardeeville Community Transformation Board, Beaufort Economic Development Corporation, TCL’s Foundation and Area Commission. In addition, TCL Gen. Arthur E. Brown, the workforce center’s namesake, was on hand for the presentation.
Neil Parsons, Hardeeville’s Assistant City Manager, commended TCL on its commitment to workforce training citing the impact the training center will have on the area’s economy.
“We believe this supports educational advancement and workforce training opportunities for the City of Hardeeville that meets the ongoing challenges of the city and region’s continuous growth and development,” he said.
Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams echoed Parsons comments.
“It gives our residents the opportunity and our community the training and the skills needed for the jobs that are coming,” he said. “It is an honor for the City of Hardeeville to be part of such a wonderful initiative.”
The total cost for the center is estimated to run $26 million with funding expected to come from other local governments and private sources, or funds raised by TCL’s Foundation.
