Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to the town of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, for sewer system upgrades including the construction of a new pump station.
This grant will provide water and sewer system service to support a new industrial business in Plymouth County. This EDA investment, to be matched with $6.1 million in state and local funds, is expected to create 400 jobs and generate $47.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is jumpstarting our middle class by building out critical infrastructure and supporting business development across the nation,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment in East Bridgewater will help expand the region’s industrial sector to create new economic opportunity and jobs for local citizens, creating jobs across Massachusetts and benefits felt by the entire country.”
“The Economic Development Administration works hand-in-hand with local communities to support their bottom-up, middle-out economic development strategies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This strategic, place-based project in Massachusetts will provide critical infrastructure needed to accommodate a new industrial facility, creating a stronger, more diverse regional economy for the future.”
“We’re thrilled that the Department of Commerce is making this critical investment in infrastructure and business development in Massachusetts, which will lead to new jobs and economic growth,” said Governor Maura T. Healey. “This is a great example of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to growing opportunity in communities across the country, as well as Massachusetts’ commitment to competing for federal funds. We are grateful to Secretary Raimondo for this investment and congratulate the Old Colony Planning Council for this great success.”
“It is critical that Massachusetts have a safe, durable, and resilient water infrastructure system,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “This $3 million grant is wonderful news for East Bridgewater, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure that the federal government is a strong partner for communities across our Commonwealth.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC). EDA funds OCPC 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.