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Press Release

Obama Administration Announces $10.7 Million in Economic Development Assistance to Help with Ongoing Recovery from 2008 Hurricanes

December 29, 2009
Contact: Lindsey Pangretic, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced $10.7 million in new Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to assist in the ongoing recovery efforts in the wake of recent hurricanes.

"Hurricanes have hit the region hard in recent years and President Obama's commitment to assisting in the recovery is comprehensive and ongoing," Locke said. "Today's grants will create new jobs, save existing jobs and help improve the region's competitiveness as the Gulf Coast perseveres in the wake of these disasters."

The grants announced today include:

  •  $2 million to the city of Ruston and the Louisiana Tech University Foundation to help build the Louisiana Tech University Enterprise Campus research and technology commercialization facility.

  •  $2 million to the Greater Lafourche Port Commission of Galliano, La., to improve the Port's Martin Slip bulkhead.

  •  $4.7 million to the city of Gulf Shores and The Airport Authority of Gulf Shores, Ala., to build a dry dock basin to support the maintenance of sea going vessels serving the Gulf Coast's marine service industry cluster.

  •  $2 million to St. Charles Parish to help build a rail spur to serve the planned Port of South Louisiana intermodal facility.

  • The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses that works to grow local economies by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products and services. Locke is a member of President Barack Obama's economic team.

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster economic growth and job creation. 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 global 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.