Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $120,000 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Washington's Puget Sound Region

June 4, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $120,000 grant to the Central Puget Sound Economic Development District of Seattle, Washington to implement a comprehensive economic development planning program.

"Economic recovery and growth are top priorities for the Obama Administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA grant will implement an economic development planning program that will advance regional competitiveness by working to spur innovation and entrepreneurship, create higher-skill, living-wage jobs, and promote industry clusters."

"This grant is an excellent re-affirmation that the EDA values the results the Prosperity Partnership is bringing to the central Puget Sound region," said Bob Drewel, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Regional Council, home of the Central Puget Sound Economic Development District. "We are very proud of the work we've done to coordinate economic development planning regionally, implement initiatives to help grow the region's industry clusters, and strengthen the foundations of the Puget Sound economy."

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.