Press Release

U.S. EDA Invests $3.7 Million to Advance Avionics Research and Development in Yuma, Arizona

August 9, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Dr. Rebecca Blank today announced a $3.7 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Yuma County Airport Authority to help build the Aviation Industrial Center in Yuma, Ariz. The Center will provide a high-tech facility for avionics research and development. The project is expected to create 150 jobs and generate more than $1 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"Strengthening research and development in support of an innovation economy is vital to creating jobs and maintaining global competitiveness," Blank said. "This EDA-funded project will help bring high-quality jobs and economic growth to the region by fueling the growth of the Yuma aerospace industry cluster."

The Aviation Industrial Center will be a 45,000-square-foot, multi-tenant aircraft aviation technology and maintenance office complex. The facility will include office and administrative space with two hangar bays on the east and west sides of the building.

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.