Rep. Cleaver Presents Check to MCC-Maple Woods for $850,000 in Community Project Funding, Attends Groundbreaking for New Agriculture Facility
(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined faculty of Metropolitan Community College – Maple Woods to hold a groundbreaking of their new Agriculture Annex facility and present a check for $850,000 in Community Project Funding the Congressman was able to secure to help fund construction and provide the latest equipment improvements. The federal funding will assist in strengthening Missouri’s agricultural workforce by allowing MCC-Maple Woods to meet the increased demand for its programs with new state-of-the-art equipment and facilities that include laboratories, classrooms, and animal clinics.
“Missouri is one of America’s leading producers in agriculture, helping to keep food on the tables of American families and fuel our economy through the hard work of Missouri farmers, ranchers, and a wide array of ag producers,” said Congressman Cleaver. “However, as our economy continues to grow and innovate, so must our agricultural workforce—which is why I was proud to partner with MCC – Maple Woods to secure $850,000 in federal funding to create a new state-of-the-art Agriculture Annex. Not only will this facility help to provide a top-of-the-line education to the next generation of Missourians, but it will also strengthen the pipeline of quality workers for Missouri’s ag sector and provide economic benefits to MCC-Maple Woods and the surrounding community.”
"The groundbreaking for the new Agriculture Annex is truly a game-changer for the education and economic growth in our community,” said Dr. Ellen Crowe, MCC-Maple Woods President. “This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to provide excellent agricultural education and will also empower our students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in Missouri's agricultural sector. We are grateful for Congressman Cleaver’s support and the funding provided through the Economic Development Initiative Community Project Funding Grant from HUD. Together, we're investing in our students and the future of our local agricultural industry."
The Agriculture Annex facility is one of fifteen projects Congressman Cleaver championed in Congress last year, securing nearly $19 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2024 that will directly benefit constituents in Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.