Press Release

Innovation Technology Project Funded by U.S. EDA to Mitigate Future Disasters and Spur Development in Urban New Jersey

March 14, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $424,962 grant to Rowan University, the city of Vineland, N.J., and Cooper's Ferry Development Association to support development of a 3-D Virtual Reality Tool that will work to mitigate the effects of natural disasters in the local urban region.

"Preparedness and planning are essential in alleviating the effects of future natural disasters," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "This EDA project will use innovative technology to develop a cost-effective plan for regional development and disaster mitigation to grow the local economy in urban New Jersey."

The EDA investment will provide interactive simulations of major infrastructure and scenarios of mitigation techniques, and influence future economic development options for the cities of Camden and Vineland. The virtual reality tool will enable the region to better plan, assess, and inform others on the business and entrepreneur activities consistent with local trends.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.