Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Tourism in Fredericksburg, Virginia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia, for infrastructure upgrades to support the local tourism industry. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will provide for the construction of a performance stage and restroom facilities at the recently opened Riverfront Park recreational area. This EDA grant will be matched with $300,000 in local funds and is expected to create 150 jobs and retain 150 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan delivers federal resources to communities to ensure our nation not only recovers from the pandemic, but builds a better America for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will encourage more people to visit the historic downtown Fredericksburg area, boosting the local business community and creating new jobs.”

“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led development strategies designed to boost tourism and build a better America,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will allow Fredericksburg to build on existing outdoor recreation assets to create new economic opportunity and jobs.”

“I’m proud to work with our federal and state partners to bring these resources and jobs to our Commonwealth to create more opportunities for all Virginians,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginia is open and thriving and this investment will help continue to make Fredericksburg a great tourist destination for those in and out of Virginia.”

“This funding will allow Fredericksburg to continue to expand and develop its beautiful Riverfront Park while creating jobs and boosting the local and tourism economy,” said Senator Mark Warner. “I am glad to see this investment into our Virginia communities as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“I’m glad the EDA is awarding American Rescue Plan funding we passed to help improve Fredericksburg’s Riverfront Park so it can continue to bring joy to the community and bolster the region’s economic growth,” said Senator Tim Kaine. “This will be a great investment in jobs, outdoor recreation, and the tourism economy in Fredericksburg.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.