In a recent release, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson announced $18,789,100 in Community Project Funding that he previously secured for Mississippi’s 2nd District in the House spending bill, which has been included in the final 2023 appropriations funding package.
Congressman Thompson was elated to announce the funding because it responds directly to some of the most pressing needs in Mississippi.
“I am proud to have secured $18,789,100 in Community Project Funding in this bill, which meets long overdue community needs in Mississippi’s 2nd District,” Rep. Thompson said. “These investments will create jobs with better pay, strengthen our communities, and start to tackle climate change.” Rep. Thompson championed funding for 13 projects that will directly benefit Mississippi’s 2nd District residents.
Coahoma Community College’s share of the funding will total $1,664,100 and has been allocated to improve campus safety.
CCC president Dr. Valmadge T. Towner is grateful for the financial boost and is confident that the aid will support ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and productive learning and work environment.
“We are appreciative of the support given to Coahoma by Congressman Thompson and the federal government,” said President Towner. “The safety of our students, staff, and constituents is of foremost importance.”
The funding comes at a time when HBCUs have recently fallen victim to a series of bomb and other terroristic threats nationally. Coahoma was subject to such a threat in July 2022. As a result, campus leadership met, revisiting and developing new emergency response and reporting measures.
“We are eager to use resources from this grant in a way that will enhance our capacity to continue having safe campuses. It is uplifting to know that we can always count on our Congressman to partner with us as we provide educational services to our communities,” Towner added.
CCC leadership has begun the preliminary planning stages to make the best use of the funds.