Press Release

Automotive Assembly Plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee Receives U.S. EDA Investment

September 15, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $362,000 grant to the city of Chattanooga, Tenn., to generate electricity for the new Volkswagen Automotive Assembly Plant by making infrastructure improvements to the Summit Landfill Gas Generation Facility.

"The Obama administration supports global investment in communities to strengthen the automotive sector and create jobs," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "This EDA grant will provide the critical infrastructure needed to serve the new Volkswagen Automotive Assembly Plant."

This investment is funded through EDA's Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund (GCCMIF) which is intended to foster the green economy by promoting economic competiveness while enhancing environmental quality. The Volkswagen Assembly Plant will be the world's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certified auto plant.

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.