Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $6.8 Million to Improve Water Infrastructure in Lumberton, North Carolina

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $6.8 million grant to the city of Lumberton, North Carolina, to make critical infrastructure improvements needed to improve drainage and maintain business continuity during flood events. The EDA grant, to be matched with more than $2.3 million in state investment, is expected to retain 1,800 jobs.

“The Trump Administration is committed to not only retaining jobs in this country, but also to building resistance to natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This investment in Lumberton will support the construction of new gravity storm drains to allow reliable access to the local business community, keeping them competitive even during storms and potential flooding.”

“EDA plays an important role in communities impacted by natural disasters by partnering with them to both recover and build back stronger,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “Providing the water infrastructure that the Lumberton-area business community needs to withstand future flood events will ensure that workers can keep working and commerce can continue.”

“These funds will help Lumberton rebuild stronger and smarter in the wake of severe flooding and storms endured the past few years,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

“Lumberton was devastated by inland flooding following Hurricanes Matthew and Florence,” said Senator Thom Tillis. “Since those storms ripped through North Carolina, I have been working extensively with local leaders and federal agencies to mitigate future infrastructure damage. I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Ross for awarding this grant that will make critical improvements and support much-needed jobs in the area.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southeastern Economic Development Commission (SEDC). EDA funds the SEDC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-20) (PDF), which provided EDA with $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas affected by Hurricanes Florence, Michael, and Lane, Typhoons Yutu and Mangkhut, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and other major natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2018, and tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019, under the Robert T. Stafford Act. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage.

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.