Press Release
Commerce Department Invests $1 Million to Support Manufacturing Center in Southeast Texas
Contact: John Atwood, 202-482-4085
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson today announced a $1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Port Arthur and the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation of Port Arthur, Texas, to help rehabilitate a former Texas National Guard Armory for use as a state-of-the-art manufacturing center. The project is expected to create 100 jobs and generate $10 million in private investments for southeast Texas, according to grantee estimates.
"This $1 million EDA investment in Texas is an example of the Obama Administration's commitment to supporting American manufacturers and increasing their ability to make their goods here and sell them everywhere," Bryson said. "The grant announced today will support the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Port Arthur that will create new jobs and support an economy built to last."
The EDA investment will support the construction of the new facility through local public-private collaboration with the project beneficiary, Climate Controlled Containers, Inc., which has pledged to hire 75 percent of its workforce from the Port Arthur area.
Under Secretary Bryson's leadership, the Commerce Department is focused on three areas to help create more American jobs: supporting advanced manufacturing, helping U.S. companies increase exports, and encouraging more companies to invest in or expand operations in the U.S. Bryson co-chairs the White House Office of Manufacturing Policy, which is coordinating government-wide efforts to support and strengthen America's manufacturing sector, especially advanced manufacturing.
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.