Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $969,261 to Help Southwest Michigan Prepare for Closure of Nuclear Facility

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $969,261 grant to Southwestern Michigan Commission, Benton Harbor, Michigan, to develop an economic recovery strategy ahead of the closure of the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station. This EDA grant will be matched with $242,316 in state and local funds.

“President Biden is committed to supporting local efforts to create new opportunity and jobs in communities impacted by nuclear plant closures,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will create a roadmap for economic recovery and diversification that will help Southwest Michigan respond to the upcoming nuclear plant closure.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the Southwestern Michigan Commission strategy to create new economic opportunities and jobs,” said Susan Brehm, Director of EDA’s Chicago Regional Office. “This EDA investment will help Southwest Michigan prepare for and recover from the closure of the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station, which is slated to close in 2022.”

“The community’s leadership has done a great job being proactive,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow. “This investment will help make sure the region is prepared to rebound from these changes, stronger than ever.”

“Palisades has been such a strong part of the fabric of our Southwest Michigan community since 1971. They’ve employed thousands of workers with good-paying jobs and financial security. It’s important we do not turn our backs on these hardworking folks now,” said Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06). “As the plant prepares to close in 2022, this EDA grant will help ensure a smooth transition, safely shut down the plant’s daily operations, and create new jobs in the process.”

This project is being funded under EDA’s Assistance to Nuclear Closure Communities program. Closures of nuclear power plants throughout the United States have had a significant impact on the economic foundations of surrounding communities through sudden job losses and a reduction to the local tax base. EDA has a strong history of working with communities facing structural economic adjustments, including those impacted by nuclear power plant closures. In FY 2020, EDA is deploying $15 million appropriated to the agency to support communities impacted by nuclear plant closures.

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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.