Posted on April 8, 2010

Feds Visit Richmond to Tout Green Jobs Program

By Shelly Meron
Contra Costa Times

RICHMOND — $500,000 for green jobs: Federal officials visited the RichmondBUILD facility Thursday to award the city program $500,000 for green jobs training.

Environmental Protection Agency officials joined Mayor Gayle McLaughlin and other city staff to recognize participants and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding award. [emphasis added]

The money will help train 128 local residents, with some placed in green jobs. Graduates often go on to careers such as building "green" homes and cleaning up toxic sites.

The RichmondBUILD facility on 23rd Street showcased a model home built by students, helping them train in energy-efficiency, solar installation, handling of hazardous materials and green plumbing.

Those interested in participating in the program can call 510-621-1712.

— Shelly Meron