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U.S. EDA Invests $1 Million to Promote Economic Development and Job Growth in West Haven, Connecticut

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


WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of West Haven, Conn., to support structural improvements critical to the West River Crossing redevelopment project that will accelerate job creation and economic growth in the region. The project is expected to directly create 60 jobs and generate up to $6 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"The Obama administration is committed to providing communities with the resources they need to foster job creation and business growth," Locke said. "This EDA grant will support economic development in West Haven and bring jobs to the community by improving and modernizing local infrastructure that will make the city more competitive."

"This is very exciting news for West Haven," said U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman. "Finally getting the bulkhead repaired is an important step in the West River Crossing redevelopment project and will continue to spur much-needed economic development in the area."

"This project is an exciting and energizing investment in jobs and economic growth, especially important at a time of belt tightening by state and local governments," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. "West River Crossing redevelopment work will be a catalyst for economic development, and will be critical to making the area more environmentally sound. I applaud West Haven's local leadership for assuring that West Haven receives this much needed grant, and look forward to continuing to advocate for these kinds of resources."

"I am so pleased that West Haven has been awarded these funds, which will have a two-fold effect: helping to reinforce our damaged shoreline as well as strengthening our local economy," said U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro. "By improving our infrastructure and reinforcing the West Haven bulkhead, this investment will help to create good, well-paying jobs in our communities now and in the future. Projects like these are essential in today's tough economy, and I look forward to seeing its positive impact for years to come."

"I want to thank the U.S. Economic Development Administration for its commitment to restoring the storm-damaged bulkhead in the West River area of New Haven Harbor," said West Haven Mayor John M. Picard. "Replacing the decaying wooden bulkhead with a new steel seawall is crucial to stopping erosion, controlling pollution and spurring economic development, as well as yielding much-needed revenue and creating jobs for our city and for the region.."

The West River Crossing project will create a multi-use development facility comprised of office, commercial, residential, recreational and retail space. EDA funding will allow for the installation of approximately 465 linear feet of bulkhead and the removal of the existing bulkhead - a key component of West Haven's West River Crossing Municipal Development Plan.

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.