Press Release

U.S. EDA Invests to Boost Export Efforts on Native American Tribal Lands in Washington State

June 29, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $176,423 grant to the University of Washington of Seattle, Wash., to help open access to international markets for timber products for Native American communities in Washington and Oregon.

"Increasing the export of American products contributes to future economic growth and supports jobs here at home," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA grant will boost tribal marketing and international research capabilities and develop a strategic export plan to help them capitalize on opportunities."

"This project will help to develop the marketing and managerial capacity within the Native American communities targeted in this effort to enter and compete in international markets by providing market analysis and technical assistance," said Ivan Eastin, Professor of Forest Resources, University of Washington.

The project will work to open access to the international wood products market and increase demand for wood products that originate from tribal lands to create employment opportunities for members of tribal communities. The project work will take place on tribal lands in the northeastern and southern parts of Washington State and the northern part of Oregon.

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.