Augusta Technical College Receives $6.81M Federal Grant for Automotive Training Center

Augusta Technical College won a $6,808,307 grant from the Economic Development Administration. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce. It will complete the Jim Hudson Automotive Institute in Richmond County. Congressman Rick Allen announced this on Monday.

The building will occupy 33,000 square feet at 1122 Walton Way. That's where the old Johnson Cadillac dealership stood. Students will learn about car repair and maintenance there. They'll study internal combustion engines, electric motors, hybrid systems, and diesel power.

Hundreds of students will attend each year. The property covers 6.4 acres in an old transportation area. About half the existing structure will be used.

"The CSRA has developed a longstanding reputation as a hub for economic growth in the state of Georgia," Allen said, per a media release. "Not only will this grant funding enable Augusta Tech to develop a Center for Excellence in Automotive Technology in Richmond County, but it will also equip hundreds of students and workers with the skills needed to succeed in our booming automotive manufacturing industry."

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called the grant a historic investment. "President Trump is committed to training the youth of today to fill the high-tech, advanced manufacturing automotive jobs being built in America," Lutnick said.

The new center will prepare workers for dealerships and fleet operations. It will also cover new vehicle technologies. Community groups and businesses have helped through donations.

The foundation is raising money for The Patch, too. That's a workforce campus beside the Augusta Municipal Golf Course. Kerry Bridges chairs the foundation and serves as the region executive at Georgia Power. He says the automotive institute ranks among its top funding goals.