U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $40 Million to Support Economic Development Projects in Seven States

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, [email protected]

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $40 million in awards for projects in seven states. The awards were provided through EDA’s FY 2025 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs, which leverage existing regional assets and fund the implementation of economic development strategies to support distressed communities.

The EDA awards announced today are:

South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (Greenville, South Carolina): $11.8 million for building renovations to support the local automotive industry.
Atoka Municipal Authority (Atoka, Oklahoma): $5.5 million to support the Atoka Water Tower project, increasing the region’s ability to withstand future natural disasters.
Hillsboro, Texas: $5.0 million for roadway infrastructure improvements to support local businesses.
City of Manchester (Manchester, Tennessee): $4.0 million for sewer infrastructure improvements to support business retention and development in the region.
Altavista, Virginia: $3.0 million for wastewater infrastructure improvements to support local industries.
Meridian Technology Center (Stillwater, Oklahoma): $3.0 million for construction of a 13,600-square-foot training facility to support workforce development and job creation in the region.
River Falls, Wisconsin: $2.2 million through the Assistance to Coal Communities Program for expansion of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center to help local entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses.
Texas State Technical College in North Texas (Red Oak, Texas): $2.0 million for the purchase and deployment of a mobile training unit to support workforce development and create jobs in the manufacturing sector.
Waterloo, Iowa: $2.0 million for industrial park infrastructure improvements to support business development and expansion in the region.
Plainview, Texas: $1.5 million for construction of a new terminal at the Hale County Airport and for workforce development in the aviation industry.

“EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs promote long-term economic development in distressed communities by investing in public infrastructure, workforce training, and other activities that drive regional economic prosperity and industry transformation,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer Ben Page, performing the nonexclusive duties and functions of the Assistant Secretary. “These awards will do just that, bolstering business and industrial parks, providing water and sewer system improvements, creating job-training facilities and more.”

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the Economic Development Administration is investing in communities that are ready to grow, compete, and create lasting opportunity,” said Caleb Spencer, EDA Chief of Staff. “These grant awards reflect the Administration’s commitment to strengthening local economies, supporting American workers and businesses, and ensuring that federal resources are directed toward projects that deliver measurable results for the communities they serve.”

EDA releases announcements for grants over $1 million. For more information on all EDA awards and programs, please visit eda.gov.

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.