CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois lands a $1.35 million federal grant from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) accepted the grant Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023 at a Press Conference alongside Governor JB Pritzker and Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su.

The federal grant hopes to welcome more women into the infrastructure and construction industry with training aid and support.

While women across the nation have made strides in advancing their workforce opportunities, when it comes to the infrastructure and construction industry, they only make up less than 10% nationally.

With these grant dollars women in the industry are hoping to gain more female colleagues.

Our Mackenzie LaPorte went around town stopping by different construction sites to see if there were any female workers out on the job.

About 4 sites in, each crew said they did not have any tradeswomen on site for the day or possibly in the area at all. One all-male crew did mention that the company they worked for was owned by a female and sent us her way.Jamie Powell, owner of JP Excavating & Trucking Inc. started her business in 2005 and throughout the years has experienced a difficult time finding female employees to hire.

Powell believes these grant dollars could be a great thing for the tradeswomen across the state, but is concerned about where the money will go directly.

Find out more: News Channel 20