Press Release
Commerce Department Invests in Alaska Cold Climate Housing Research Center
September 1, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.9 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Cold Climate Housing Research Center in Fairbanks, Alaska, to help fund the design and construction of the Sustainable Northern Communities Research Center. The project is expected to create 200 jobs and generate $10 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
"Strengthening the green technology sector is critical to our ability to create jobs and remain competitive," Locke said. "This EDA grant will advance the development of sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient building technologies used in commercial and residential structures in the region."
"The Sustainable Northern Communities addition to Cold Climate Housing Research Center's (CCHRC) facility in Fairbanks will provide a place for collaboration between agency stakeholders, our staff and the diverse peoples of Alaska to create and apply adaptive responses that effectively address the daunting challenges Northern communities face from climate, economic and cultural change." said Jack Hébert, President and CEO of Cold Climate Housing Research Center.
This project will support an addition to the current facility and will strive to attain the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Platinum certification. The project is funded through EDA's Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund (GCCMIF), which is intended to foster a green economy by promoting economic competitiveness while enhancing environmental quality.
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.