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A bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce
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Press Release

U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $800,000 Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Georgetown, Delaware

September 22, 2009
Contact: Bryan Borlik, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced an $800,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Delaware Technical and Community College of Georgetown, Del., to help build the Green Building Technology and Alternative Energy Systems Training Center. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.

"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in Delaware by building a 'green' jobs training center that will train workers to compete for jobs in the installation, management, and maintenance of alternative energy components."

The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.

"I support the Obama Administration's focus on green jobs that will help create new opportunities for Delawareans that will clean up our environment and stimulate economic growth," U.S. Sen. Tom Carper said. "Across our state and our nation, there are green jobs wherever there are buildings to be weatherized, solar panels to be installed and wind turbines to be built. I believe green jobs will help make America more competitive and energy efficient, while also helping our local economy recover and putting Delawareans back to work."

"Delaware's innovative small business community has been at the forefront of green energy technology in many ways," U.S. Sen. Ted Kaufman said. "It's fitting that DelTech - which does excellent work in preparing workers for all industries - will now be able to lead the way in training a new green workforce to meet the increasing demand for alternative energy solutions across the state and nation. Stimulating economic growth in Delaware has been my priority from my first day as a United States Senator. Doing it while improving our environment is a prime example of the economic recovery package working for Delawareans."

The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.