Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3 Million to Support Manufacturing in Fresno

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
September 16, 2016

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to the city of Fresno, Calif., to make infrastructure improvements needed to support manufacturing businesses in the region.

“Ensuring that our communities have the vital infrastructure they need to support commerce is a top priority of the Obama administration,” said Secretary Pritzker. “EDA’s investment will support existing local manufacturing business operations and help to attract new manufacturing enterprises to increase employment opportunities for Fresno’s workforce.”

The EDA grant will support the construction of a roadway and storm drain to improve the access and function of an industrial area in Fresno. The completion of the project will improve infrastructure for use by business enterprises in the manufacturing sector of the economy. The Fresno region is in need of more employment opportunities for its workforce and according to grantee estimates, this project is expected to create 327 new jobs.

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.