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BP Oil Spill Recovery Efforts in Mississippi Receive $508,000 from U.S. Department of Commerce

September 16, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced $508,891 in grants to the State of Mississippi to help with recovery from the BP oil spill. The investment will help Mississippi assess the economic impact of the disaster and develop plans to advance the green energy and tourism sectors to boost economic development and get people back to work.

"The Obama administration is committed to helping the Gulf Coast recover in the wake of the BP oil spill," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "These EDA investments will help Mississippi identify the economic impact of the spill to advance plans for recovery, develop a green economy study to provide local officials with a tool to promote alternative energy business growth, and complete a tourism assessment that will help boost tourism in the region."

The investments announced today include:

  • $308,283 to the Mississippi Development Authority of Jackson, Miss., to support the State of Mississippi's efforts to respond to the BP oil spill and mitigate the economic impact to key industries in the Gulf Coast region and the state.
  • $120,608 to the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District of Gulfport, Miss., to develop a study that will examine the Green/Eco-friendly industry sector in the Gulf Coast and explore ways to help it develop and assist the region in overcoming the impacts of the BP oil spill.
  • $80,000 to the Mississippi Development Authority of Jackson, Miss., to support state efforts to evaluate the BP oil spill affect on consumer and tourist activity and identify effective communications strategies to bring tourists and consumers back to the region.

To date, EDA has allocated a series of grants totaling nearly $5.6 million to help the Gulf Coast recover through its Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program. In July, Congress provided $225 million for oil spill recovery in the Supplemental Appropriations Act, including $83 million for unemployment assistance, $14 million to respond to economic impacts on fishermen for various agencies such as ESA, and $5 million for EDA to conduct economic recovery activities.

These grants from the EDA are part of the Obama administration's overall commitment to the Gulf Coast, to help the region regain its economic footing. At the President's direction, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and other federal officials have met with people in impacted communities throughout the region to discuss long-term economic and environmental restoration ideas. The framework to address those issues will be released this fall. In addition, the Administration's "Economic Solutions Team" has been focused on efforts to ensure a collaborative recovery process that targets resources and optimizes economic opportunities, holding multiple sessions in each Gulf state. The team is working in partnership with experienced economic development and disaster recovery specialists in the Gulf region, who are providing vital capacity and technical assistance.

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.