Aug. 3—EDWARDSVILLE — The Metro East's aviation industry was highlighted by several speakers at Madison County's Grants Committee meeting.
Kyle Anderson, executive director of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, said the organization is working on an "aviation talent pipeline" because of the industry's huge economic impact on the area.
Both West Star Aviation at St. Louis Regional Airport and Gulfstream at St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia have major area facilities, and Boeing is constructing a $200 million facility to build drones for the U.S. Navy.
An "Aviation Industry Update" is planned for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 22 at the Doubletree by Hilton, 1000 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville. Representatives from Boeing, Gulfstream, West Star Aviation, Mid-America St. Louis Airport, Scott Air Force Base, St. Louis Downtown Airport and St. Louis Regional Airport will discuss developments and the expansion of educational programs for the aviation industry.
While Southwestern Illinois College has an aviation industry program, it only has a capacity for about 50 students according to Tony Fuhrmann, director of Madison County Employment and Training. The need, he said, is approximately 200, adding that Lewis and Clark Community College also is considering an aviation program.
The grants committee also discussed the draft of Madison County Community Development's annual action plan summary which includes spending for the Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs. The CDBG budget was approved at last month's Madison County Board meeting.
The board approved total spending of just over $3 million for the 2023 CDBG program, including seven grants for $100,000 each for Nameoki and Venice townships, and the municipalities of Williamson, Venice, Pontoon Beach, Madison and South Roxana.
The county will also receive $1.1 million for the HOME program. HOME funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the creation of affordable housing.
Madison County will receive about $560,000 for demolitions, weatherization and other programs.
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