Press Release

U.S. Commerce Department Invests in Northern Mariana Islands Tourism Industry

April 22, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.5 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Water Task Force on the Island of Saipan to make infrastructure improvements to the water system that supplies the Garapan tourist area.

"Through our Economic Development Administration, we provide funding to local communities like those in the Northern Marina Islands to enhance job creation, economic growth and global competitiveness," Locke said. "This EDA grant will strengthen the regional economy by making vital infrastructure improvements that will foster business growth in the tourism industry."

This EDA investment will help to construct a replacement water tank that will prevent water supply disruptions to local small businesses and resort hotels that serve area tourists. The project also replaces a failing one-million-gallon water storage tank and installs a security fence, new piping and valves, and approximately 6,850 square feet of pavement around the tank.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:

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 makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.