Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.9 Million in Georgia to Build Infrastructure and Boost Job Growth
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank today announced two Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants totaling $1.9 million that will help Georgia build critical infrastructure to support business development and job growth. According to grantee estimates, the projects will together create 275 jobs, save 175 jobs, and generate more than $133 million in private investment.
"These $1.9 million in Economic Development Administration investments in Georgia are examples of the Obama administration's commitment to efforts that support long-term economic growth and job creation," said Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank. "The grants announced today will help Georgia build critical infrastructure that is necessary to create new jobs and boost the state's economy."
The investments announced today include a $1 million EDA grant to the city of Cleveland to make critical sewer infrastructure improvements that will create jobs, attract new businesses to the region, and support local businesses - including advanced manufacturing firms. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to save 175 jobs, create 113 jobs, and generate more than $42 million in private investment.
A $951,501 EDA grant to the Joint Development Authority of Jeff Davis County, Hazlehurst and Denton will support the construction of a rail spur that will be utilized by a manufacturer of wood pellets to export its products to overseas buyers, primarily biomass energy power plants in Europe. The new spur will facilitate the transportation of both raw materials and finished products to and from the plant. The project is expected to create 100 jobs, and generate more than $91 million in private investment.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
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.