Press Release
EDA Awards Grant to Fund a Regional Collaboration Initiative in the San Joaquin Valley
September 2, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $250,000 grant to the California State University, Fresno Foundation of Fresno, Calif., to help develop working partnerships among private sector and public sector entities for the purpose of ensuring the success of economic development activities in the San Joaquin Valley.
"Economic recovery and growth are top priorities for the Obama Administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA grant will support the development of strong partnerships between the private sector and public sectors entities in the San Joaquin Valley to help accelerate economic and job growth."
"The goal is to improve the regional economic competitiveness, quality of life, and access to opportunity for all Valley residents and businesses," said Mike Dozier, Director, Office of Community and Economic Development, California State University, Fresno.
This EDA investment will ensure the necessary economic strategy is in place to support the development of rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley. A principal focus of the project will be coordination with the city of Fresno in support of President Obama's Strong Cities, Strong Communities initiative, a new interagency pilot initiative that aims to strengthen neighborhoods, towns, cities and regions around the country by strengthening the capacity of local governments to develop and execute their economic vision and strategies.
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.