Press Release

Commerce Announces Legislation to Reauthorize EDA

April 29, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

"Public Works and Economic Development Improvements Act of 2010"

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Commerce today released the Administration's legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).

"As the only federal agency with economic development as our exclusive mission, EDA is poised to provide leadership with our forward-looking approach to job creation and regional collaboration and innovation," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "While we are extremely proud of the role that EDA has played for the past 45 years in creating strong and sustained economic growth in regions across America, we are fully aware that the world has changed and our global economy is much more complex - Meaning EDA must reinvigorate itself to rise to these new challenges."

Reauthorization is an opportunity for EDA to align its priorities and program structures to improve the competitiveness of America's regions. This summer, the agency will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965.

View Public Works and Economic Development Improvements Act of 2010 Legislation Documents:
Biden Letter
Bill
SOPAN and Sectional Analysis
PWEDA as Amended

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.