Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.6 Million to Establish Critical Stormwater Drainage Infrastructure in Muscle Shoals, Alabama

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.6 million grant to the city of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to make stormwater drainage infrastructure improvements to protect businesses from the impact of future storms. The EDA grant, to be matched with nearly $407,000 in local investment, is expected to retain more than 700 jobs and spur over $11 million in private investment.

“The Trump Administration has prioritized rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure and improving the country’s economic resilience in the wake of natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The new stormwater drainage system will provide Muscle Shoals with the critical infrastructure needed to protect the local business community from flooding.”

“This investment will convey storm water to an existing retention pond, allowing the system to capably combat flash flooding that typically occurs in the Muscle Shoals area,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “The infrastructure improvements will result in a more resilient regional economy.”

“Alabama is far too familiar with the uncertainty and impact severe weather can bring, however, we also know the importance of preparation” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Even during these unprecedented times, I am proud that the Trump Administration continues to prioritize strengthening our country’s infrastructure and working to ensure that we are prepared to be resilient in the face of natural disasters. I am grateful to Secretary Wilbur Ross and the Trump Administration for selecting Muscle Shoals, Alabama for these important funds.”

“This EDA grant to the city of Muscle Shoals will help rectify a persistent drainage issue that is only made worse when storms occur in North Alabama,” said Senator Richard Shelby. “The improvements from this funding will protect local businesses and, in turn, retain jobs and boost private investment. I am grateful this Administration continues to prioritize modernizing and protecting Alabama’s infrastructure.”

“These funds will go a long way to help ease and lessen the impacts of future flooding events, which have been a problem in this area,” said Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04). “Investing in our infrastructure is always a smart investment for economic development. EDA works directly with communities and regions to help them build their capacity based on local needs. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I applaud President Trump and Secretary Ross for making sure these funds, appropriated by Congress, get to the communities that need them.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments, which EDA funds 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 (PDF) 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.