Press Release

Commerce Department Invests in Recovery Strategy in Wake of NUMMI Plant Closure in Fremont, Calif.

April 9, 2010
Contact: Lindsey Pangretic, (202) 482-4085

Newark, Calif. - U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Brian P. McGowan today announced a $333,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) investment in the city of Fremont, California for a comprehensive recovery and reuse strategy in the wake of the New United Motor Manufacturing (NUMMI) automobile plant closure. Deputy Assistant Secretary McGowan made the announcement during the Manufacturing, Exports and Job Creation in the New Economy Forum hosted by EDA and the Commerce Department's International Trade Administration.

"The NUMMI site closure in Fremont is representative of the need to diversify and strengthen the San Francisco Bay Area economy by developing new investment and job growth opportunities in emerging high growth industries with global markets," said Deputy Assistant Secretary McGowan. "This EDA grant will help develop a strategy to create employment opportunities for the workers displaced as a result of the auto plant shutdown."

The $333,000 grant supports the Bay Area community's efforts to revitalize the local economy since the closure of the plant, which resulted in the loss of 4,700 jobs. Deputy Assistant Secretary McGowan's remarks are available at www.eda.gov.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.