Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.1 million grant to the Port of Chehalis in Chehalis, Washington, to bolster agricultural production and processing in southwestern Washington.
This grant will support the construction of a grain storage and rail transload facility at the port. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.8 million in state and local funds and is expected to create or retain more than 50 jobs, and generate $3.4 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is providing communities like Lewis County with the resources they need to grow local businesses and create new jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide new infrastructure to support specialty grain growers moving their products to national and global markets – helping boost economic growth throughout the region.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to provide targeted, place-based grants designed to support local business growth,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide new opportunities for growth in the agricultural sector, creating a stronger regional economy in southwestern Washington.”
“This grant is a big deal for the Port of Chehalis and Lewis County—not only is it going to support our agriculture industry and local businesses, but it will also help create dozens of good-paying jobs in the area,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Congressional Democrats are working hand-in-hand with President Biden to build an economy that works for the middle-class and make sure communities like Chehalis have the resources they need to succeed.”
“These federal resources are an investment and vote of confidence in the future of Lewis County,” said Senator Maria Cantwell. “The new grain storage and loading facility at the Port of Chehalis will support 50 local jobs, develop Southwest Washington’s grain industry, and help more farmers grow barley by increasing access to new and existing markets around the country and the world.”
“In a time where we are importing almost 40% of our fresh fruit and vegetables, it is crucial that we are investing in infrastructure to support local farmers and producers,” said Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03). “I am grateful to the community leaders who alerted our office to this project and am glad to play a small part in bringing this investment to Chehalis. This is an important step in building a federal government that is responsive to local needs.”
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.