Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $7.2 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds for Wastewater System Upgrades to Support Small Businesses in Islip, New York

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $7.2 million grant to the town of Islip, New York, for construction of a new sewer pipe to support local businesses. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

The project will provide wastewater infrastructure capacity needed to service local businesses in the region. The EDA investment will be matched with $2 million in state funds and is expected to create 106 jobs and generate $8 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden and this Administration continue to support community-led efforts to strengthen and grow regional economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide the wastewater treatment capacity necessary for local businesses to create jobs and build economic resiliency in the region.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Islip as they work to grow the region’s economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will replace aging water infrastructure to give the region a competitive advantage in attracting new businesses and jobs, making the local economy more resilient and equipped to overcome future economic disruptions.”

“This EDA grant gives Islip businesses a major boost and allows for a much-needed infrastructure upgrade in Suffolk County,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “With today’s announcement, in addition to tens of millions of dollars in state investments for local sewer projects, we are tackling the wastewater crisis head-on and giving small business owners the support they need to thrive. I thank President Biden and Secretary Raimondo for taking action on the nation’s lingering infrastructure problem and for continuing to prioritize the needs of New York businesses.”

“I am proud I fought for EDA funding in the American Rescue Plan to get business owners the federal support they need to build greater economic resiliency in the wake of COVID-19,” said Senator Chuck Schumer. “This vital federal investment will bolster Islip’s local economy by updating its wastewater infrastructure, creating jobs, and generating investment in the area.”

“I commend the Department of Commence for awarding these necessary funds from the American Rescue Plan to modernize the Islip sewer system,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “These essential upgrades will provide local businesses with access to a new sewer pipe, boost Long Island’s economy by creating jobs and help keep New York’s environment clean.”

“Expanding our wastewater infrastructure is essential for the revitalization of Long Island communities, mitigation of flood risks, and further development of our local economy,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). “I was proud to secure $3 million in the FY22 end of year appropriations package for the sewer extension in the northern section of Carlton Avenue and am pleased to see additional federal dollars coming to Long Island to help complete this crucial project.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.

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.