Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1 Million to Rebuild Critical Rail Infrastructure in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Friday, September 28, 2012
WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank today announced a $1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Greater Baton Rouge Port Commission of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to help rebuild a vital rail line serving the Inland Rivers Marine Terminal that was severely damaged by flooding in 2011.
"This $1 million Economic Development Administration investment is an example of the Obama administration's commitment to rebuilding our nation's critical transportation infrastructure following natural disasters," said Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank. "The grant announced today will help Louisiana reconstruct the storm-damaged rail line that serves the Inland Rivers Marine Terminal, which will assure that businesses throughout the region can transport their goods, remain competitive, and create new jobs."
The EDA investment will help reconstruct 2.5 miles of track bed that connects to Baton Rouge's Inland Rivers Marine Terminal. The line was severely damaged by flooding in 2011, rendering it unstable and unusable.
This project is part of a $200 million appropriation made by Congress to EDA to help communities that received a major disaster designation in fiscal year 2011 with long-term economic recovery and infrastructure support.
Within the context of the administration's National Disaster Recovery Framework (PDF) (NDRF), EDA serves as the Coordinating Agency on behalf of the Department of Commerce for the Economic Recovery Support Function (RSF) to coordinate the activities of a diverse group of partner agencies supporting recovery in disaster-impacted communities. The activities consist primarily of leveraging existing resources and authorities to make a positive impact for communities affected by disasters.
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.