January 18 - 22, 2021

EDA announced 27 investments from January 18-22, 2021, totaling $38,584,521, which is matched by $20,560,198 in local investments. These investments include the following: (1) $11,613,011 in eight Economic Adjustment Assistance-COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Projects to help alleviate sudden and severe economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which includes seven projects for $10,113,011 that will help create 1,143 jobs, save 1,184 jobs, and leverage $20,200,000 in private investments; (2) $2,000,000 in seven STEM Talent Challenge projects to create and implement STEM apprenticeship models to help communities with planning, development and program implementation activities that will complement their regions’ innovation economy; (3) $15,669,233 in six Economic Adjustment Assistance projects to help communities design and implement strategies to adjust or bring about change to their economy in response to structural damage to their underlying economic base, which includes five projects for $13,418,070 that will help create 455 jobs, save 3,092 jobs, and leverage $180,000,000 in private investments; and (4) $9,302,277 in six Public Works projects to help communities revitalize, expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructure, which includes five projects for $7,602,277 that will help create 373 jobs, save 1,742 jobs, and leverage $56,175,000 in private investments.

• $11,613,011 in eight Economic Adjustment Assistance-COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Projects, matched by $2,906,787 in local investments, as follows:
  • $2,700,000, matched by $675,000 in local investment, to the California Coastal Rural Development Corporation, Salinas/Monterey County, California, to capitalize a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to lend to borrowers in the following geographic region: counties of Fresno & San Luis Obispo, CA, nearby a designated Opportunity Zone. In addition, the project will provide funding to defray the cost of administering the RLF. Once implemented, the project will alleviate sudden and severe economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, provide permanent resources to support economic resiliency, further the long-term economic adjustment objective, create and retain jobs, and attract private investments, which will strengthen and advance the regional economy. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 30 jobs, save 200 jobs, and leverage $2,500,000 in private investment.
  • $2,396,801, matched by$599,200 in local investment, to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Denver/Denver County, Colorado, to fund the Restart and Reimagine the Colorado Tourism Industry project, leveraging state funds to catalyze statewide tourism resilience and recovery from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The Colorado Tourism Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) will help address the local and regional need for a resilient statewide tourism industry by developing a statewide tourism recovery plan and providing tourism-related businesses and tourism destinations with technical assistance. The project will help tourism dependent communities restart their economies, help to recover lost tourism revenue, and provide a clear and safe path forward to restore tourism in Colorado, which will strengthen the regional economy and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help save 684 jobs.
  • $1,500,000, matched by $375,022 in local investment, to the University of Southern California, Los Angeles/Los Angeles County, California, to fund the implementation of a technical assistance program to support small business enterprises and small communities in Los Angeles, California, a designated Opportunity Zone. The project work will involve Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, which are located in the southern part of California. The completion of the project will assist small business enterprises and small communities recover from and operate effectively in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will help prevent the severity of future adverse economic impacts of a pandemic upon businesses and communities that possess fewer resources throughout the region.
  • $1,167,630, matched by $291,908 in local investment, to the Uintah Basin Technical College, Roosevelt/Duchesne County, Utah, to support the purchase of equipment for the Uintah Basic Technical College automotive technician training and Commercial Driver’s License programs. The project will support the response, recovery, and future resiliency of communities throughout rural Utah and the Uintah Basin in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Once implemented, the project will help increase the number of truck drivers, diesel technicians, and automotive technicians trained and hired in the area, which will create many additional opportunities for high wage, high-skill positions in response to a regional industry need for more professionals in these areas. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 733 jobs.
  • $1,000,000, matched by $250,000 in local investment, to the State of Hawaii, Honolulu/Honolulu County, Hawaii, to capitalize a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to lend to borrowers in the State of Hawaii. The EDA investment will alleviate sudden and severe economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, provide permanent resources to support economic resiliency, and further the long-term economic adjustment objectives of the region served by this EDA investment. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 100 jobs, save 300 jobs, and leverage $2,500,000 in private investment.
  • $1,000,000, matched by $250,000 in local investment, to the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Salt Lake City/Salt Lake County, Utah, to support the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (UT GOED) – Office of Tourism’s efforts to foster recovery and resiliency in the tourism industry by addressing impacts associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. UT GOED’s Destination Recovery Program will prepare destinations for recovery and mitigation, encourage visitor spending, and train businesses in industry-best practices for a post-pandemic world. The program will specifically increase recovery and resiliency efforts and workforce development across 20 destination throughout the state of Utah, which will help communities adapt and develop strategies to mitigate and respond to the impacts of coronavirus on the tourism industry, create jobs, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 256 jobs.
  • $956,858, matched by $239,215 in local investment, to the Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie/Chippewa County, Michigan, to support the expansion of training and research services offered by the Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education in Chippewa County, Michigan, a designated Opportunity Zone. The project will assist in the purchase of critical testing and research equipment to support the region's freshwater economy sectors including aquaculture, environmental contract and research services, water quality technology, natural resources conservation, and tourism. Once completed, the project will assist the region in recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic, support and grow the Blue Economy sector, create jobs, attract private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 20 jobs and leverage $14,200,000 in private investment.
  • $891,722, matched by $226,442 in local investment, to the University of Nebraska, Omaha/Douglas County, Nebraska, to support the development of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s UNeTech Deploy program to support COVID-19 response, recovery and resilience and address the local and regional need for increased medical technology design and production in Omaha, Nebraska, a designated Opportunity Zone. The project will support commercialization of technology, workforce development, as well as a localized and flexible medical supply chain to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, which will help create jobs, attract private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 4 jobs and leverage $1,000,000 in private investment.
• $2,000,000 in seven STEM Talent Challenge projects, matched by $2,298,971 in local investments, as follows:
  • $300,000, matched by $500,000 in local investment, to the Maui Economic Development Board, Inc., Kihei/Maui County, Hawaii, to fund the STEMworks Challenges & Solutions program, to build on the empirical knowledge that emerging STEM talent can use STEM tools and skills, along with innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset to develop real solutions for challenges faced by companies across Hawaii.
  • $300,000, matched by $302,936 in local investment, to the Howard Community College, Columbia/Howard County, Maryland, to fund the Cyber Workforce IT Apprenticeship program, to respond to new audiences of employers and trainees, including underrepresented and underemployed populations, as well as high school students in Howard County, Maryland. The program will provide entrepreneurial consulting free-of-charge to small-to-medium sized IT businesses that have been impacted by the transition to telework caused by COVID-19. These businesses will agree to employ at least one person from one of the work-learn models and provide customized training packages leading to various cybersecurity and cloud computing certifications to apprentices, interns, and incumbent workers. The program will also help form sustainable partnerships that will result in approximately 100 participants in work-and-learn programs over the grant's two-year course and the models will further enhance the synergy between community colleges and industry in the Mid-Atlantic region.
  • $300,000, matched by $301,066 in local investment, to the Regents of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County, Michigan, to fund the Advanced Manufacturing Cybersecurity Work-and-Learn Program (AMCP), to prepare the workforce of the future to not only have solid foundational training in cybersecurity but AMCP will also develop their understanding of the manufacturing environment to be able to most effectively serve this critical sector. Through a work-and-learn structure, this future workforce will learn through structured online curriculum and hands-on learning labs. They will apply their learning as they assist manufacturers directly through a manufacturing internship or by developing their own cybersecurity business to serve manufacturers and employ a larger workforce from this same talent pipeline. Cybersecurity is the foundation to ensure manufacturers across Southeast Michigan are prepared to integrate newly innovative technologies and develop their advanced manufacturing capabilities to continue to grow employment in the region. Developing a cybersecurity workforce that knows the criticalities of the manufacturing sector will not only secure its most critical employers but will also prepare it to compete on a global scale, improving workforce retention.
  • $299,643, matched by $299,643 in local investment, to the Expanding Frontiers Corporation, Brownsville/Cameron County, Texas, to fund the NewSpace Entrepreneur in Residence Apprenticeship Program, to bridge a current gap in the ecosystem that will lead to more commercial space companies in Brownsville, Texas and more local talent earning high-paying jobs. The program will help train and mentor entrepreneurs, engaging the community, and organizing a best-in-class network to advise, direct, and fund commercial space startups built on proven models of success. Once implemented, the program will have tremendous and lasting impact on the economic health of South Texas.
  • $295,643, matched by $295,644 in local investment, to Ohio University, Athens/Athens County, Ohio, to fund the Industry 4.0 Virtual Factory program, to accelerate workforce training using digital manufacturing tools (Emulation-based AR/VR ready training) where machine interconnectivity can be leveraged by using automation, machine learning, and real-time data acquisition to create a virtual factory for an apprenticeship training model. Industry 4.0 concepts can be taught without the expense of a physical factory, which provides an expandable virtual enterprise that can be used to accelerate workforce development training for the Ohio region by creating an apprenticeship program that leverages industry-recognized credentials.
  • $258,535, matched by $353,503 in local investment, to the Aleut Community of Saint Paul Island Tribal Government, Saint Paul Island, Alaska, to fund the Aeronautics Workforce Development (AWD) program, to focus on the development of a new, world-leading class of automated commercial (CLASS V) aircraft, the Rhaegal. The project includes testing and operation of the aircraft in St. Paul Island, creating an immediate need for STEM field employees in a high paying, high demand emerging STEM industry through the establishment of the St. Paul Experimental Test Range (SPxTR) and through the FAA certification process for this aircraft, which brings the necessary capacity in training and combines it with mentoring from industry professionals for students to assure that members of the community can seek and fill the jobs created within their community through this project. Once completed, the project will help accelerate training and competency to allow for the people of St. Paul, and for Alaska, to have a primary role and benefit from the development of a new STEM focused industry with benefits for Alaska’s economy as well as for the nation.
  • $246,179, matched by $246,179 in local investment, to the University City Science Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to fund the Building an Understanding of Lab Basics (BULB) program, to recruit and train under- and unemployed Philadelphians for biotech careers in the city and surrounding region. BULB will include "soft" and "hard" skills virtual training focused on the basics of biotech laboratories and manufacturing environments, plus on-the-job training at partner employers. The program will be free and open to individuals with a GED or high school diploma, as well as individuals with some college and experience in the workforce. Participants will learn skills desired by employers, build professional connections with companies, and gain access to family-sustaining career opportunities. Once implemented, the program will also provide a critical bridge into the biotech sector; help to close a projected workforce gap; and create new opportunities for individuals underrepresented in the STEM workforce.
• $15,669,233 in six Economic Adjustment Assistance projects, matched by $10,576,863 in local investments, as follows:
  • $5,975,582 in 2018 Disaster Supplemental funding, matched by $5,975,583 in local investment, to the City of San Diego, San Diego/San Diego County, California, to support the City of San Diego with constructing stormwater infrastructure improvements to ameliorate flooding and sedimentation that negatively impact industry and businesses downstream in San Diego County, California. The project will assist the region with recovery efforts from the 2017 Severe Winter Storms and includes final design, resource agency permitting, easement acquisition, and construction of a 5 storm drain outfalls around Maple Canyon and restoration of the canyon floor below. Once completed, the project will retain jobs in the area affected by localized flooding and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help save 2,000 jobs.
  • $2,560,000 in 2019 Disaster Supplemental funding, matched by $640,000 in local investment, to the City of Loudon, Loudon/Loudon County, Tennessee, to support the City of Loudon with making infrastructure improvements to allow for expansion of new and existing industries in Loudon County, Tennessee, a designated Opportunity Zone. The project will assist with recovery efforts from the 2019 Severe Storms by constructing a 24-inch diameter ductile iron water main to provide addition service to the Blair Bend Industrial Park and surrounding areas. The water main addition will be approximately 4,800 linear feet (LF) and will include 1,050 LF of pipe to be installed in the Tennessee River near River Mile 592. Once completed, the project will create and retain jobs, attract private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 200 jobs, save 1,010 jobs, and leverage $130,000,000 in private investment.
  • $2,407,488 in 2018 Disaster Supplemental funding, matched by $601,872 in local investment, to the City of Cascade Locks, Cascade Locks/Hood River, Oregon, to support the City of Cascade Locks with making power supply infrastructure improvements needed to support business growth in Hood River County, Oregon, a designated Opportunity Zone. Once completed, the project will help the city become more resilient in the face of future natural disasters by undergrounding circuits, hardening a transmission line, and purchasing a new substation, which will support job creation and retention, attract private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 66 jobs, save 82 jobs, and leverage $22,200,000 in private investment.
  • $2,251,163 in 2019 Disaster Supplemental funding, with no local match, to the County of Hawaii, Hilo/Hawaii County, Hawaii, to support the County of Hawaii with developing the Puna Wastewater Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and the hiring of a part-time Program Manager for the Department of Environmental Management in Hilo County, Hawaii. The project will assist with recovery efforts from the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption and earthquake by helping the county effectively plan to upgrade to a more centralized collection and treatment system to meet the needs of the growing district and accommodate resettlement patterns of businesses and residents. Once implemented, the plan will provide information to allow the county to make informed planning choices for the future, which will guide the construction of necessary infrastructure to start attracting businesses to the area and advancing economic resiliency throughout the region.
  • $1,500,000 in 2019 Disaster Supplemental funding, matched by $1,599,595 in local investment, to the City of Jefferson, Jefferson/Cole County, Missouri, to support the City of Jefferson with addressing the local and regional need for economic development opportunities in the aftermath of the 2019 floods and tornadoes by redeveloping the historic Missouri State Penitentiary site in Cole County, Missouri, a designated Opportunity Zone. Once completed, the project will create an investment site for new businesses, spur job creation, attract private investment and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 67 jobs and leverage $27,800,000 in private investment.
  • $975,000 in Assistance to Coal Communities, matched by $1,759,813 in local investment, to the Marshall University Research Corporation, Huntington/Cabell County, West Virginia, to support the Marshall University Research Corporation with launching a new AMT Training Program at the Robert. C. Byrd Institute of Marshall University to assist with supplying needed jobs to the aerospace industry in Cabell County, West Virginia, nearby a designated Opportunity Zone. Once established, the project will help create new job opportunities and attract private investment to an area that has been impacted by the decline in the coal industry. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 122 jobs.
• $9,302,277 in six Public Works projects, matched by $4,777,577 in local investments, as follows:
  • $3,369,240, matched by $842,310 in local investment, to the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation, Kincheloe/Chippewa County, Michigan, to support the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) with developing a new 20,000 square foot multi-tenant flexible manufacturing space and expand the existing CCEDC-owned railroad spur that will serve the facility and surrounding industrial area in Kincheloe, Michigan. A recent market assessment and logistics study of the region concluded that a lack of industrial-support infrastructure limited existing industrial employers’ ability to expand. The project will address the region’s needs and provide additional space and infrastructure for new and existing businesses to grow, which will create additional jobs, attract private investment, and strengthen the regional economy. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 2 jobs, save 14 jobs, and leverage $25,000 in private investment.
  • $1,700,000, matched by $438,731 in local investment, to Aransas County, Rockport/Aransas County, Texas, to support Aransas County and Del Mar College with renovating two buildings on Del Mar College’s campus to develop a workforce development and entrepreneurship center in Aransas County, Texas, nearby an Opportunity Zone. The project will provide upskilling and re-skilling training for essential jobs in the region with intended goals of enhancing employment opportunities and fostering creation and retention of quality jobs. Once completed, the project will enhance workforce development, spur private investment and advance economic resiliency throughout the region.
  • $1,471,400, matched by $630,600 in local investment, to the Cornell Agricultural and Food Technology Park, Geneva/Ontario County, New York, to support the Cornell Agricultural & Food Technology Park with constructing a 20,000 square foot, pre-engineered steel building that will have the capacity to accommodate up to three tenants in Ontario County, New York, nearby a designated Opportunity Zone. The project will include the construction of manufacturing and ancillary spaces, including loading and logistics areas, office space, and parking. Once completed, the project will help create manufacturing jobs in the food processing industry, attract private investment, and strengthen the regional economy. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 10 jobs and leverage $150,000 in private investment.
  • $1,175,000, matched by $1,699,299 in local investment, to the City of West Wendover, West Wendover/Elko County, Nevada, to support the City of West Wendover with revitalizing its downtown area by repairing the roadways to help existing businesses and allow for business expansion in Elko County, Nevada, a designated Opportunity Zone. In addition, the project will open up 60 acres of land for infrastructure development in the downtown area to help prepare the community for diverse economic opportunities, which will lessen the city's financial dependency on the gaming industry, support job creation, attract private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 206 jobs and leverage $51,000,000 in private investment.
  • $1,026,637, matched by $1,026,637 in local investment, to the City of Canton, Canton/Fulton County, Illinois, to support the City of Canton with upgrading a critical water treatment plant to assist with recovery efforts from the 2019 Flood and the closure of Canton’s Duck Creek Coal Power Plant in Fulton County, Illinois. The project will install backup generators and provide the region’s businesses and residents with a reliable source of safe drinking water even in the aftermath of disaster events. In addition, the plant will serve the city’s Opportunity Zone, where reliable water capacity will also help catalyze development. Once completed, the project will also assist the region in recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic, create and retain jobs, attract private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 130 jobs and save 1,444 jobs.
  • $560,000, matched by $140,000 in local investment, to the City of Cameron, Cameron/Milam County, Texas, to support the City of Cameron with revitalizing its downtown area by repairing the roadways to add “curb appeal” and increase accessibility to the Cameron Industrial Park in Milam County, Texas, nearby a designated Opportunity Zone. The roadway improvements will immediately help existing businesses and allow for business expansion within the area, which will support job creation, attract private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 25 jobs, save 284 jobs, and leverage $5,000,000 in private investment.