Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Provide Critical Infrastructure for Businesses in Belpre

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
September 28, 2016

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will award a $1.5 million grant to the city of Belpre, Ohio, to extend sewer service along Ohio State Route 7 to provide services to larger employers and spur new business development. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to help retain six businesses and attract new businesses that could generate 255 jobs and spur more than $3 million in private investment.

“Ensuring that our communities have the modern infrastructure they need to grow and thrive is vital to enhancing their competitiveness,” said Secretary Pritzker. “EDA’s investment will extend sewer service north of Belpre to serve existing businesses and generate future development.”

The EDA grant will extend sewer service in the non-municipal area between Belpre and Marietta. The wastewater collection system will consist of approximately 10,850 linear feet of gravity sewer, including manholes, and one grinder pump station with 600 lineal feet of 2-inch force main.

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.