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Electric cars could soon be rolling out of a Delaware company thanks to a state government grant.
New Castle-based AutoPort, Inc., was awarded a $94,140 workforce training grant on Feb. 17 that will enable the company to convert gasoline cars to electric cars.
The grant will be used to train the workers in assembling and handling high-power electric components. It is the first step toward establishing an electric vehicle industry in Delaware, according to Gov. Jack Markell’s office.
The funding comes from the Delaware Economic Development Office’s (DEDO) Blue Collar Grant program, which helps businesses train their workers in specialized skills.
“Delaware must have a public policy that places sustainability at the forefront of our economic development efforts,” Markell said. “Our economy needs to keep up with these changing attitudes, and my administration is committed to keeping Delaware on the leading edge of the green economy.”
AutoPort, which was founded in 1981, employs 70 people and contributes $4.5 million annually to the First State’s gross domestic product, according to DEDO.
The company specializes in automobile modification and processing for shipment. It handles about 100,000 vehicles a year.
“We look forward to helping move our country toward energy independence and a cleaner environment,” said AutoPort President Roy Kirchner.
The AutoPort grant is part of the Markell administration’s strategy to promote sustainability and environmental health in Delaware. It is a strategy further cemented by the First State’s participation in The Climate Prosperity Project, a national initiative that seeks to demonstrate that innovation, efficiency and conservation of resources are the best ways to create jobs and increase incomes, productivity and competitiveness, Markell’s office reported.
Eight regions are participating in the project, but Delaware is the only entire state taking part.
Electric cars could soon be rolling out of a Delaware company thanks to a state government grant.
New Castle-based AutoPort, Inc., was awarded a $94,140 workforce training grant on Feb. 17 that will enable the company to convert gasoline cars to electric cars.
The grant will be used to train the workers in assembling and handling high-power electric components. It is the first step toward establishing an electric vehicle industry in Delaware, according to Gov. Jack Markell’s office.
The funding comes from the Delaware Economic Development Office’s (DEDO) Blue Collar Grant program, which helps businesses train their workers in specialized skills.
“Delaware must have a public policy that places sustainability at the forefront of our economic development efforts,” Markell said. “Our economy needs to keep up with these changing attitudes, and my administration is committed to keeping Delaware on the leading edge of the green economy.”
AutoPort, which was founded in 1981, employs 70 people and contributes $4.5 million annually to the First State’s gross domestic product, according to DEDO.
The company specializes in automobile modification and processing for shipment. It handles about 100,000 vehicles a year.
“We look forward to helping move our country toward energy independence and a cleaner environment,” said AutoPort President Roy Kirchner.
The AutoPort grant is part of the Markell administration’s strategy to promote sustainability and environmental health in Delaware. It is a strategy further cemented by the First State’s participation in The Climate Prosperity Project, a national initiative that seeks to demonstrate that innovation, efficiency and conservation of resources are the best ways to create jobs and increase incomes, productivity and competitiveness, Markell’s office reported.
Eight regions are participating in the project, but Delaware is the only entire state taking part.
