ARMOR Program Comes To Marshall

Marshall University and Huntington Tri-State Airport are set to become a premier hub for cutting-edge aerospace training and innovation thanks to a $3 million award from the Economic Development Administration (EDA).  

The money will support the Aerospace, Resilience, Manufacturing and Operations for Readiness (ARMOR) coalition focused on aerospace manufacturing workforce development. It will establish a national hub for aerospace and defense innovation through airport renovations, equipment investments and curriculum development.  

“I have worked tirelessly and constantly with the EDA to help secure this funding because I know the enormous potential West Virginia has to become a national leader in aerospace manufacturing, defense innovation, and workforce development,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said. “This more than $3 million investment will help transform Huntington Tri-State Airport and Marshall University into a premier hub for cutting-edge aerospace training and innovation.” 

According to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick the funding will support nearly 600 jobs and will expand the state’s technical abilities. Capito called the grant a major win for West Virginia and a tremendous investment in the state’s economy. 

Brandon Dennison, vice president for economic development and workforce development at Marshall, said West Virginia is ready to meet a national need. 

“Local businesses have supplied the parts and components needed by our military over many generations,” Dennison said. “ARMOR will build on this proud tradition by helping to modernize the supply chain for our country’s national defense sector. Importantly, this project will invest in training the workforce needed for defense-based and aerospace jobs of the future. In leading this project, Marshall University will help keep our local businesses on the cutting edge and ensure quality jobs for many more generations to come.” 

For more information on Marshall, visit www.marshall.edu