The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) today announced a $1 million investment to expand the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program at New Mexico Junior College (NMJC). This investment will help address the urgent need for more certified commercial drivers in the Permian Basin and will support ongoing efforts to improve road safety in the region.
“The safety and infrastructure challenges facing the Permian Basin require big and bold solutions,” said Tracee Bentley, President and CEO of the Permian Strategic Partnership. “By expanding the CDL program at NMJC, we’re not just training drivers, but we are investing in the safety, economic strength, and the future of our community. This initiative will help meet workforce demands and save lives on our roads.”
The Permian Basin experiences a disproportionately high amount of commercial motor vehicle related crashes and fatalities. Additionally, the region is projected to need roughly 7,000 new CDL certified drivers by 2040. By expanding enrollment and upgrading training equipment and resources, NMJC will be positioned to train a greater number of future commercial drivers.
The PSP’s investment will fund two key phases of the program expansion:
- Phase I: Construction of an additional testing pad, fund program recruitment efforts, and provide scholarships to increase accessibility.
- Phase II: Hiring a new full-time trainer for three years and acquiring a new truck and trailer to increase training capacity.
“This investment will allow us to train more students, reduce waitlists, and provide top-tier training with the most up to date equipment.,” said Steve Sauceda, Vice President of Workforce Development at New Mexico Junior College. “We’re so grateful for PSP’s support in helping us expand and strengthen our CDL program. Ultimately, this means more qualified drivers and safer roads for everyone in southeastern New Mexico and the broader Permian Basin.”
The PSP’s investment in this CDL training program reflects its ongoing commitment to enhancing road safety throughout the Permian Basin.