Rep. Zach Nunn Announces $2 Million in Federal Funding for DMACC Facility Project

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) will receive a $2 million federal investment to support the construction of its new Trades & Industry Center. U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) announced the funding on May 11, 2026, during a press conference held at the college.

The state-of-the-art facility is currently under construction on the northeast side of the DMACC Ankeny Campus. The center is expected to open in January 2027.

The new facility is designed to house five of the college’s most in-demand programs: Building Trades, HVAC, Diesel Technology, Fire Science, and Iowa’s only Ford Training Center.

Rep. Nunn stated that training programs must evolve alongside the economy. He noted that the investment is intended to provide the next generation of Iowa workers with career pathways and hands-on training in fields such as public safety, transportation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.

During the May 11, 2026, announcement, Rep. Nunn said, As Iowa’s economy evolves, our classrooms and training programs need to evolve with it, and added that the funding would help equip workers with the skills that Iowa employers need filled right now.

The funding was secured via the Community Development Fund, a federal mechanism that allows members of Congress to designate support for critical local initiatives.

Dr. Liang Chee Wee, the Interim President of DMACC, addressed staff, faculty, community partners, and business partners at the press conference to thank Rep. Nunn for the federal allocation.

Our ongoing mission here at DMACC is to be among the national leaders in education and training, enabling DMACC to offer impactful opportunities for our students to excel, both in the classroom and in life,

Dr. Liang Chee Wee