Wyden, Merkley: Nearly $200,000 to Klamath Community College for Commercial Driving Program

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced that Klamath Community College will receive more than $194,000 from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to enroll qualified students in the college's Commercial Driver's License program.

“I’ve heard from hardworking truck drivers all over Oregon how serious the need is for more colleagues to drive and deliver goods all over the state,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified to see these federal dollars go toward the Commercial Driver’s License program which will play a crucial role in reducing supply chain snarls and of course ensuring that students at Klamath Community College have a path toward good-paying, career opportunities.”

“Commercial drivers are vital to supporting Oregon’s economy and to ensuring we are able to get the goods we need. We rely on these highly trained drivers to get food to our tables, supplies to our hospitals, and clothes on our backs,” Merkley said. “I am happy to see this funding going to Klamath Community College for recruitment and support for the college’s Commercial Driver’s License program.”

Klamath Community College will receive more than $194,000 from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to recruit and enroll at least 40 qualified students and/or members of underserved communities in the college's Commercial Driver's License program.

“The funding provided will help Klamath Community College to continue to address our country’s pressing need for commercial drivers, while ensuring that those on the road are receiving the best possible training to do their jobs reliably and safely,” said KCC President Roberto Gutierrez. “Funds will cover tuition and fees for KCC student veterans and their families to pursue a CDL license for essential careers with a livable wage in a growing field. Trucking is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy, and it is KCC’s goal to provide as many proficient drivers as possible to respond to the demand for careers on the road – for Oregon and beyond.”