A South Carolina plant shows how we can invest in tomorrow and create jobs today

Today, I want to share a terrific new video, called "Transporting America: Proterra," which tells the story of Proterra, Inc, an electric bus manufacturer in Greenville, South Carolina. Thanks to federal investment, this company has been able to develop incredible zero-emissions transit buses and add hundreds of new jobs in South Carolina.

Last month Deputy Secretary John Porcari penned a blog for us on "Good, Green Jobs."  He wrote that, "We know Americans can adopt environmentally friendly practices and create good jobs in the process." 

Nowhere is that demonstrated more clearly than in Greenville, South Carolina, where Proterra, Inc, has begun manufacturing electric transit buses. More important to the Greenville community is the fact that Proterra has hired more than 120 workers, with plans to reach up to 350 workers by the end of this year and more than 1,300 by 2015.

Although Federal Tranist Administration grants had helped the company develop its fuel-cell technology, Proterra did not make the leap from a research and development company into a full-fledged manufacturer until FTA grants made it possible for cash-strapped transit agencies across the country to order new buses.

In January, I visited the Proterra plant and met with some of the newly hired workers.  Are they excited about their future and the stability the good jobs at Proterra offer?  You bet they are.  But when you listen to them, you begin to see they're also excited about building good, clean transportation for communities across America.

Meeting Julie and Autumn

For example, when you watch our new video you'll meet Julie Shepherd, who, after being hired and trained by Proterra, finally bought her first home.  I hope you'll feel the same relief she and her daughter Autumn feel.  More importantly, I hope you'll feel the tremendous pride she has for the good work they do at Proterra and for the role Proterra workers see themselves playing in creating a better, brighter American future.

The Obama Administration is investing in tomorrow and creating jobs today.  And the video we're presenting today demonstrates that, with a little support from DOT, Proterra is hiring South Carolinians and helping America win the future.

Comments

[KyleWhitford]

As a progressive Charlotte Hyundai automobile dealership, we are watching and participating in the environmentally friendly methods being adopted by such companies as Proterra,Inc. Responsibility is something we take seriously and applaud others who do as well. http://www.BobMayberryHyundai.com

[Amir]

Thanks in part to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants, 112 Greenville, SC, workers are grateful this season for the best of gifts in these economic times: jobs in a growth industry.
Over the last few years, DOT has invested in cutting-edge research to help put a new generation of clean, fuel-efficient, zero-emission buses on our streets. And I’m very excited to see those investments are paying off--and generating many new green jobs in the process.