Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.1 Million to Support Business Expansion in Westfield, New York

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Monday, July 28, 2014

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $2.1 million to the Village of Westfield, New York, to upgrade critical infrastructure that will enable local businesses to expand operations and attract new business to the region. According to grantee estimates, EDA’s investment will enable three grape processing companies to retain 146 jobs and invest an additional $400,000 in plant expansion improvements.

“The Obama Administration is committed to improving our nation’s infrastructure, which is crucial for both economic growth and job creation,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA investment announced today will support critical infrastructure improvements to enable local businesses to expand their operations and help attract new businesses to Westfield.”

EDA’s investment will upgrade the Village of Westfield's waste water treatment plant to support existing business and industry, particularly industrial customers associated with the grape farming industry. The grape business is crucial to the local rural economy. The industry requires reliable and economical wastewater treatment operations and an effective, reliable, and affordable treatment facility to remain competitive. The upgrades this EDA investment supports will create a more efficient wastewater system, resulting in savings in energy and maintenance expenses, which will then be passed onto the businesses in the area. The upgrades will also provide additional treatment capacity to support growth at three existing local companies and create capacity for new businesses looking to locate in Westfield.

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.