U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.7 Million to Boost Manufacturing Sector in Oxford, Indiana

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.7 million grant to the town of Oxford, Indiana, for water infrastructure upgrades to support manufacturing.

This project will increase capacity and reliability of water service to meet the increased needs of a local pharmaceutical manufacturer, Oxford’s largest employer. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.7 million in local funds, will support additional nearby businesses, and is expected to retain 94 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“Strengthening our country’s infrastructure is a key part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Oxford will deliver much-needed water infrastructure upgrades that will ensure manufacturing jobs stay in Benton County and strengthen economic resiliency throughout the region.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Oxford as it works to keep critical manufacturing jobs in the region,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This strategic, place-based project will help Benton County retain an important employer critical to the region’s larger manufacturing ecosystem, while also helping the county continue to attract additional 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 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.