Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million grant to Hall County, Georgia, for roadway infrastructure improvements needed to support a new heavy equipment research and development facility and the Georgia Ports Authority inland port. This EDA project, to be matched with $3.8 million in state and local funds, is expected to create 675 jobs and generate $185 million in private investment.
“President Biden is committed to helping communities grow their critical industries to improve regional economies across the nation,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Hall County will facilitate the expansion of the region’s research and development sector while improving the Georgia Ports Authority inland ports, creating new economic opportunities and jobs for local citizens.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Hall County as they work to expand their local economy,” said H. Philip Paradice, Jr., Director of EDA’s Atlanta Regional Office. “This project will support manufacturing and supply chain efficiencies by providing effective and reliable transportation, reducing travel time, distance and exporting costs.”
“As promised, we are delivering resources to create Georgia jobs, upgrade our infrastructure, and expand the capacity of Georgia ports,” said Senator John Ossoff. “I thank Commerce Secretary Raimondo and President Biden for their continued support for our efforts to improve Georgia’s infrastructure, create jobs, and invest in Georgia’s ports.”
“When we invest in our infrastructure, we help bolster our state’s economy and create local jobs, benefiting Georgia’s workers and families,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. “I am proud to see these funds go to Hall County, and will keep fighting for additional federal investments that will help strengthen our transportation infrastructure and manufacturing capacity in northeast Georgia.”
“The grant awarded to Hall County will not only provide financial support for the project but also bring good-paying jobs to citizens in Northeast Georgia,” said Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09). “Hall County is growing at a very rapid rate, and I am excited to see the economic development and growth that is to come. I thank the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration for its support of the Georgia Ports Authority’s Inland Port Project in Hall County.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission which EDA funds. The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission brings 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.