Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.7 Million to Create and Save Jobs in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.7 million grant to the Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority of Williamsport, Pennsylvania to upgrade water and sewer systems serving businesses in the region. According to the grantee, this project will create 1,000 jobs and save an existing 2,400 jobs.
“The Obama Administration is committed to ensuring our nation’s infrastructure is able to support the needs of America’s businesses,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA investment announced today will provide critical services to area businesses, enabling them to remain in the Williamsport area to support the economic development of the region.”
According to the grantee, the current water service infrastructure is aging and inadequate to meet the current needs of existing employers, which hampers the community’s ability to attract new businesses and diversify its economy. EDA’s investment will increase water capacity to help meet the operating needs of area businesses. Additionally, it will enhance public safety and lower insurance costs for area employers by augmenting fire flows that serve the region. According to the grantee, these improvements will dramatically improve the reliability and resiliency throughout the business and industrial park corridor, enabling further economic development in the region.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The Economic Development Administration marks 50 years of public service, leading 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.