ANKENY, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced a $2 million federal investment to support construction of a new academic facility at Des Moines Area Community College’s (DMACC) Ankeny campus. The federal funding will help modernize classrooms, expand student services, and strengthen workforce training to meet growing employer demand across Iowa.
Rep. Nunn made the announcement this morning alongside DMACC leadership, local employers, workforce partners, and elected officials from across central Iowa.
“As Iowa’s economy evolves, our classrooms and training programs need to evolve with it,” said Rep. Nunn. “Whether it’s advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, transportation, or public safety, this investment will help equip the next generation of Iowa workers with the skills, hands-on training, and career pathways Iowa employers need filled right now.”
Rep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The award, funded through Economic Development Initiatives, will support construction of a new 120,000-square-foot academic facility on DMACC’s Ankeny campus.
Once complete, the new facility will replace aging academic buildings that are more than 50 years old with modern classrooms, upgraded technology, and dedicated workforce training space designed to prepare students for high-demand careers. The project will expand capacity in critical fields, including manufacturing, transportation, and public safety, while also enhancing student support services and creating more opportunities for career-connected learning.
This investment builds on Rep. Nunn’s broader efforts to strengthen Iowa’s workforce pipeline and expand access to career and technical education opportunities across the state. In 2024, Rep. Nunn secured a $1 million federal investment for DMACC’s Transportation Institute Education Center to help train the next generation of CDL drivers and address workforce shortages in Iowa’s transportation industry.
Rep. Nunn is also leading the bipartisan PARTNERS Act, legislation crafted to expand apprenticeship partnerships between small businesses, community colleges, and workforce training providers.
“Our new, $34-million facility marks a powerful investment in opportunity, in innovation, and in the skilled hands that build and power our communities,” said Dr. Liang Chee Wee, Interim President & CEO, DMACC. “Our students represent the next generation of professionals who will keep our economy running. This facility will give them the learning opportunities they deserve to rise to the challenge in their respective fields. We are thankful to Representative Zach Nunn for securing funding for this important project.”
“This facility is more than just infrastructure; it is a premier training hub designed to sharpen student skills through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology,” said Dr. Jenny Foster, Executive Academic Dean for Manufacturing, Engineering, & Transportation, DMACC. “By investing in these modern, real-world learning spaces, we are ensuring our workforce is prepared to meet the demands of industry and build a stronger economic future for our entire community.”
“This investment is not just about a building. It is about responding to the community needs of medical and emergency services across the state,” said Dr. Jeannie McCarville-Kerver, Executive Academic Dean for Health Science & Fitness and Public & Community Services Pathways, DMACC. “This building will have advanced simulation labs and modern training environments that mirror the real emergencies our responders face every day. With expanded space and updated technology, we can train more students, more efficiently, and more effectively than ever before.”
“For companies like Ruan, the fields that this center will support — diesel, HVAC, building trades, and fire science — support the infrastructure, transportation, and services that businesses across Iowa rely on every day,” said Brad Gehring, Vice President, Procurement & Asset Management, Ruan Transportation Management Systems. “This center will strengthen the connection between education and workforce needs, and that benefits students, employers, and Iowa’s economy. Representative Nunn’s work to secure this $2 million investment reflects the kind of practical support that helps communities grow and industries stay competitive.”
“The need for a state-of-the-art facility to train future firefighters and EMS providers is evident,” said Jonathan Lund, Fire Chief, Des Moines Fire Department. “The growth that the Des Moines metro has experienced has been rapid, and the demand for high-quality candidates to apply for jobs in the fire and EMS sector will only continue to increase.”
“Congressman Nunn’s commitment to Iowa’s workforce, this community, and to DMACC specifically has been unwavering, and today is a direct result of his hard work on our behalf. Congressman Nunn, we are truly grateful,” said Mark Holm, Polk County Supervisor.
“Thank you to Congressman Nunn for securing this $2 million grant for DMACC and Iowa’s future workforce,” said Jill Altringer, Polk County Supervisor. “DMACC plays a critical role in preparing students for high-demand careers that keep our communities and economy moving forward. This new academic facility will give the next generation of Iowa workers the modern classrooms, technology, and hands-on training opportunities they need to succeed.”
The project has received strong support from workforce partners, employers, community leaders, and education advocates across central Iowa. Construction is expected to support DMACC’s long-term campus modernization efforts through 2030.
Photos of the press conference are available here.
###