Funds Slated for EWCHEC
Pending a signature from the governor, the East Williamson County Higher Education Center (EWCHEC) will receive $805,000 through the state budget bill.

The funds were written into Senate Bill 1 - the budget appropriations bill - which was sent to the governor’s office Friday.

The money is intended to help establish a Renewable Energy Training Institute (RETI) through EWCHEC in an effort to provide training for green-collar jobs.

Recent visits to East Williamson County and the Taylor area by a number of large-scale renewable energy manufacturers spurred initial interest in establishment of the RETI.

The plan has garnered support from Congressman John Carter and Rep. Diana Maldonado.

Six current partners in EWCHEC - Temple College, Texas State Technical College, Texas Tech University, Texas A&M Central Texas, Hutto ISD and Taylor ISD - will all be involved along with a growing number of other partners including universities, state agencies and private businesses.

The proposed curriculum would include wind and solar energy manufacturing and installation programs, manufacturing skills, enhancement training, technical and traditional degree programs.