Press Release
U.S. Commerce Department Invests $1.8 Million in Critical Infrastructure Improvements in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.8 million grant to the Findlay Township Municipal Authority in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The investment will support the construction of critical infrastructure near Pittsburgh International Airport and is expected to create more than 5,800 jobs in the region, according to grantee estimates.
“The Obama administration is committed to helping set the conditions that enable communities to create jobs and be competitive in today’s global economy,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA grant announced today will help Allegheny County make needed upgrades to core infrastructure which is vitally necessary to both grow local businesses and attract new investment in the region.”
The area around Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has been growing rapidly in recent years, but existing infrastructure cannot meet current demand. Recent commercial development in the area has resulted in a section of undersized waterline that, at peak demand, limits the availability of adequate water pressure for fire or other emergencies and has inhibited additional development of the area. EDA’s investment will upgrade these water lines and eliminate the pressure issues, which will in turn spur development of three business park sites located near PIT.
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.