Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Boost Water Capacity for Industry in St. James Parish

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
July 15, 2016

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the St. James Parish (La.) Government of Convent to make critical infrastructure improvements needed to increase water capacity for local industries.

“Ensuring that business and industry have the tools they need to grow and thrive while becoming more resilient to natural disasters is key to job creation and economic growth,” said Secretary Pritzker. “This EDA grant will allow St. James Parish to establish the reliable regional water system that local businesses need.”

In 2008, St. James Parish’s water treatment infrastructure suffered heavy damage as a result of Hurricane Gustav. This EDA investment will increase pumping capacity at the Parish’s East Bank Water Treatment Plant to allow for better service to industry and to protect the business community in the event of future natural disasters.

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. To learn more about EDA, visit www.eda.gov.