Nunn Cuts Ribbon on $1 Million CDL Training Pad at Indian Hills Community College

"A four-year degree isn't the only path to a good-paying job, and we're making sure more Iowans can build successful careers right here at home," said Rep. Nunn . "Iowa's economy depends on truck drivers to keep our goods moving, businesses operating, and supply chains strong. This new skid pad gives Indian Hills students the hands-on experience they need to earn their CDL and enter a high-demand field. That's what investing in Iowa's workforce looks like: creating real opportunities for the next generation while helping local employers find the skilled workers they need.

Rep. Nunn secured the $1 million investment through the FY2024 Community Project Funding (CPF) process to support Indian Hills' Truck Driver Education Center. The new skid pad will expand practical driving instruction for students pursuing their CDL, helping prepare more qualified drivers to meet workforce demands across the college's 10-county service region.

The project is part of Rep. Nunn's broader efforts to address the nationwide truck driver shortage, expand career and technical education, and strengthen America's supply chains. Rep. Nunn is leading the bipartisan Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act , which would provide tax credits of up to $10,000 for new drivers and $7,500 for existing drivers to help recruit and retain qualified truckers. He also previously secured a $1 million federal investment for the Des Moines Area Community College Transportation Institute Education Center to expand commercial driver training opportunities in central Iowa.

Local leaders highlighted the facility's importance for students, employers, and workforce development across southeast Iowa.

"At Indian Hills, our mission is to change lives through education, and this project is a perfect example of that mission in action," said Dr. Matt Thompson, President, Indian Hills Community College . "The new CDL skid pad will help students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a high-demand field, while also helping employers find the qualified drivers they need. We're thankful for the support that made this project possible and are excited about the difference it will make for our students, employers, and communities across southern Iowa."

"Because of this new facility, more Iowans in our 10-county region can get the training they need to earn a good living right here in southeast Iowa," said State Representative Hans Wilz . "Indian Hills has been a leader in preparing students for careers in our communities, and this investment will help more people get behind the wheel. I appreciate Congressman Nunn's work securing this funding and supporting the businesses that depend on these truckers every day."

"Indian Hills continues to be a tremendous asset to Ottumwa and Southeast Iowa. Investments like this help create more opportunities for young Iowans right here in our community," said Ottumwa Mayor Ben Foote . "It's these opportunities to build the foundation for future growth in Ottumwa."

"As a trucking business owner, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find and keep qualified drivers," said Iowa State Senator Adrian Dickey . "We need more young people entering this industry, and that starts with giving them the right training and opportunities. This new facility at Indian Hills is a great investment in our workforce, and I appreciate Congressman Nunn's efforts to make it happen."

Photos from today's ribbon-cutting ceremony are available here .

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