Press Release
U.S. EDA Invests $1.5 Million to Help Build Oregon Sustainability Center
September 19, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank today announced a $1.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Portland State University, the city of Portland, and the Oregon University System, Ore., to provide self sustaining infrastructure to serve the 130,000 square foot Oregon Sustainability Center.
"The Obama Administration supports the creation of an environment that encourages innovation and economic competitiveness," Blank said. "With this investment, the Center will showcase Oregon's green manufacturing products, drawing international attention to the region and making the area even more attractive for businesses with green expertise and ambitions."
Oregon's sustainable industry cluster is notable for growing concentrations of leading firms in wind and solar energy, green building and infrastructure, environmental consulting, and energy efficiency and management. This EDA grant will help provide self-sustaining water and wastewater systems that will be a model for green building practices. The innovation of this building infrastructure will act as a catalyst for creating jobs and private investment in the green industry.
The Oregon Sustainability Center was formed through a partnership of public, private, nonprofit and academic sectors. Its goals are to create longer term economic benefits while capturing shorter term returns. The Center will be a triple net-zero building, producing no carbon emissions, generating its own energy, and producing no waste. The Center will apply for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design "Living Building Challenge" certification, which exceeds platinum certification.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):
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.