U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $9.5 Million to Support Economic Development Projects in Four States

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, [email protected]

WASHINGTON –Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $9.5 million in awards for projects in four states. The awards were provided through EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs, which leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies to support distressed communities.

The awards announced today are:

Lake Sumter State College (Eustis, Florida): $5.2 million for construction of a Commercial Driver’s License training facility, supporting workforce development and creating jobs in the trucking industry.
Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust Fund (Tucson, Arizona): $1.8 million for upgrades to a training facility, supporting workforce development and creating jobs in the electrician industry.
Bee Development Authority (Beeville, Texas): $1.5 million for wastewater infrastructure improvements to support industrial growth and job creation in the region.
Lowcountry Local First (Charleston, South Carolina): $1 million for development of the Invest Local Initiative, which will improve access to capital through funding and financial education programs.

“The Economic Development Administration’s Public Works Program is designed to help distressed communities revitalize, expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructure,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Ben Page, performing the nonexclusive duties and functions of the Assistant Secretary. “The awards announced today will enable these communities to encourage business expansion and job creation, generate private investment, and attract new industries to support economic resilience.”

EDA releases announcements for grants over $1 million. For more information on all EDA awards and programs, please visit eda.gov.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.