Press Release

U.S. Commerce Department Invests More Than $1 Million to Upgrade Critical Infrastructure and Create Jobs in Georgia

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Friday, September 29, 2014

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced today that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a nearly $1.1 million grant to the Development Authority of Richmond County, Georgia. The investment will support wastewater system improvements in the wake of recent natural disasters. According to grantee estimates, the project will create 100 new jobs and generate $170 million in private investment.

“The Obama Administration and the Commerce Department are committed to helping communities affected by natural disasters rebuild so they can rebound economically,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA investment announced today will enable Richmond County to make critical infrastructure improvements that will help create jobs and strengthen the local economy.”

The region was declared a disaster area earlier this year as a result of severe storms, which affected local businesses and the economy. EDA’s investment will enable the improvement of the wastewater systems to support a major manufacturing plant in the Augusta-Richmond County area. According to the grantee, the plant will produce synthetic iron oxide pigments that will be exported as well as used domestically in construction, coatings, and plastics.

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.