Aug 6, 2009 - Texas Town Receives Grant for Asbestos Training
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery Act, an extensive economic stimulus package, which included granting money to various communities nationwide for creating asbestos abatement training programs.
Canton, Texas is one of the cities in the nation to receive funds to provide residents job training for environmental cleanup of hazardous substances, most importantly asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral with long, thin fibers that is well known for its ability to withstand heat, fire and erosion. Asbestos is now known to be toxic and inhalation leads to serious diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Asbestos was often used in commercial, manufacturing and construction industries until the mid 1980’s. Many areas throughout the United States remain contaminated with the hazardous substance. Handling, removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials must be done according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and in compliance with the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Canton has received funds of more than $444,000 to train 105 students, who would graduate with certification to perform testing and cleanup of brownfield sites. Brownfields sites are abandoned industrial or commercial properties that could be redeveloped if cleared of contamination of asbestos and other hazardous substances.
The training program will take place at Start State campus in Jackson. To be eligible, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent and preference will be given to low income or unemployed applicants. The grants are being given in efforts to promote economic recovery, facilitate job creation, and preserve the assessment, remediation and preparation of brownfield sites.
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