Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $825,230 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Tourism in Mendocino County, California

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $825,230 grant to the Noyo Center for Marine Science, Fort Bragg, California, to boost tourism in Mendocino County through the development of new visitor infrastructure. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will support design work and a feasibility study for the Noyo Center for Marine Science’s Ocean Science Center, a planned marine research and visitor center. The EDA investment will be matched with $207,891 in local funds.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will allow Mendocino County to leverage its tourism industry by establishing a world class Ocean Science Center to conduct marine research, educate visitors and students, and generate sustainable economic opportunities.”

“Mendocino County is home to miles of stunning coastline and other natural wonders that draw visitors from far and wide,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This grant will help further boost travel and tourism, supporting a state-of-the-art Ocean Science Center to provide hands-on education for visitors, advance innovative research in marine science and spur new opportunities to support the region’s economy.”

“The American Rescue Plan continues to support regional economic development in California,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “The Noyo Center Ocean Science Center will help make Mendocino County even more of a destination for tourism and ocean science research. Research and tourism are pillars of the California economy, and I was proud to support this funding through the American Rescue Plan.”

“The Noyo Center plays an important role in our community – conducting innovative scientific research and educating folks on coastal and marine conservation,” said Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02). “Thanks to the funds we secured in the American Rescue Plan, they’ll be able to move forward on new research and visitor center. This facility will boost tourism and spur educational opportunities and research that will benefit Mendocino County and our marine ecosystems for years to come.”

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. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

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.