Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.9 million grant to Ben Hill County, Georgia, for road construction and drainage improvements.
This project will support the expansion of a local plastic resin manufacturer and help attract new businesses, supporting job creation and private investment. This EDA grant will be matched with $481,753 in local funds and is expected to create 60 jobs, and generate $13 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“President Biden is dedicated to supporting communities with resources needed to boost economic development,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will enable a local employer to expand and take full advantage of its industrial campus, creating jobs while building economic resiliency in the region.”
“Economic Development Administration investments play an important role in advancing locally-led economic development strategies that drive critical business expansion efforts to create stronger, more resilient regional economies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will enhance the local transportation infrastructure to support current and future local business needs.”
“I’ve been laser-focused on creating jobs and strengthening the quality of life for all Georgians,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. “It’s great to see that the EDA will be investing nearly $2 million into Ben Hill County’s roads and water infrastructure, creating jobs and empowering small businesses across Middle Georgia.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC). EDA funds SGRC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
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.