Lancaster (WBEN) -- U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Monday announced details of a proposal meant give a boost to companies involved in high-tech manufacturing.

The proposal is called the Made in America Manufacturing Act, which would create a competitive program that would award states and regions with funding, she said.  

"Winners of the competition would be able to use the award, estimated at around $20 million, for two key purposes," Gillibrand said.

The purposes would include supporting local manufacturers through low-interest loans to build new facilities and upgrade equipment.

The funding would also allow access to capital and technical assistance to develop exporting opportunities and to connect innovative small suppliers with larger companies. 

The dollars would also go toward job training and vocational education programs that partner businesses with colleges, local workforce centers, and other skill providers to prepare workers for manufacturing jobs.

Gillibrand spoke Monday at Harper International in Lancaster, which produces high-tech thermal processing equipment.