Press Release
Commerce Department Announces $9.3 Million to Create Commercial, Bio and Manufacturing Sector Jobs for Floridians
April 7, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced $9.3 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to boost competitiveness and create jobs in Florida.
"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "Today's grants will create new jobs in Florida by attracting new private investment, supporting innovation and manufacturing, and helping to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters."
The investments announced today include:
- $3.99 million to The Glades Utility Authority and Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners of West Palm Beach to build a regional wastewater infrastructure system to serve current and future businesses in western Palm Beach County. The project is expected to save 270 jobs, create 240 jobs and generate $48.5 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
- $3.57 million to the Oregon Health and Science University and Gene Therapy Institute Florida Corporation and the city of Port Saint Lucie to build a major new bio-sciences research facility that will enhance the region's growing bio-medical cluster. The project is expected to create 100 jobs and generate $4.4 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
- $1 million to Martin County to make infrastructure improvements at Witham Field Airport to support to the operations of a major aircraft manufacturing company and other business interests. The project is expected to create 100 jobs and generate $12.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
- $540,100 to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and the Tampa Bay Partnership Regional Research and Education Foundation, Inc., Tampa, to boost the prevalence of industry clusters by developing an industry cluster assessment, targeted marketing strategies, and a workforce skills analysis to link workers with targeted clusters.
- $200,000 to the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council of Gainesville to provide a coordinated disaster resiliency plan that will reduce disruptions to the region's economy due to natural disaster.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.