From 2018 through 2025, I worked for the State of Florida and supported disaster response and recovery efforts for every hurricane that made landfall in the Sunshine State. During this time, Florida faced eight hurricanes and nine tropical storms. From the profound damage that Hurricane Michael inflicted on northwest Florida’s timber industry, to the catastrophic southeast flooding caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, I saw these events capture national attention and garner short-term support at the federal and state levels. I also saw the realities that many of these communities faced as the media attention faded and resources ran dry.

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $23 million in awards for projects in ten states. The awards were provided through EDA’s FY 2025 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs, which leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies to support distressed communities.

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $44 million in Disaster Supplemental funding awards to five states that were impacted by storms and natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $159 million in Disaster Supplemental funding awards to several states impacted by Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $62 million in awards for projects in five states across the Southeastern United States. The awards were provided through EDA’s FY 2025 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs, which leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies to support distressed communities.

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $41.6 million in Disaster Supplemental funding awards to five states, which were impacted by storms and natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

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.

WASHINGTON –Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $28.5 million in Disaster Supplemental funding awards to five states, which were impacted by storms and natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

ASHEVILLE, NC – Today, Paul M. Dabbar, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, announced $34.2 million in Disaster recovery awards for North Carolina, provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards (NC-11); Ben Page, EDA Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer; and EDA grantees joined him at the announcement, at the site of the future home of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Hub.

WASHINGTON –Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) intends to award $169 million across six selected Tech Hubs to advance U.S. leadership in industries essential to our economic competitiveness and national security.