U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.2 Million to Support Workforce Expansion and Economic Resiliency in North Carolina

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $3.2 million in the state of North Carolina to make critical infrastructure improvements needed to support current and future business needs.

“President Biden is committed to making sure the United States once again leads the world across the board in infrastructure,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “These EDA investments will allow the counties of Davie and Pender to obtain the modern and sustainable infrastructure they need and deserve to support businesses and create good-paying jobs for North Carolinians.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally-driven strategies that create economic opportunity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to assist Davie and Pender counties in their work to provide the infrastructure that their businesses need to grow and thrive.”

“A stronger state begins with investments in infrastructure,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “This funding will help us strengthen our rural communities and bring more jobs to our state.”

“These grants are big wins for Davie and Pender Counties that will enhance economic opportunity for both regions,” said Senator Thom Tillis. “These federal funds will allow infrastructure improvements to the Cooleemee Water Treatment Plant in Davie County and will upgrade the wastewater plant in Pender County. Both investments address major needs and I am proud to have advocated for these projects. I applaud the Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration’s continued commitment to North Carolina.”

“I’m glad to see my home county win this competitive federal grant for the Cooleemee Water Treatment Plant,” said Congressman Ted Budd (NC-13). “This investment in physical infrastructure will help ensure that the citizens of Davie County continue to have access to clean water.”

The EDA investments announced today are:

• The county of Davie, North Carolina, will receive a $1.6 million EDA grant for infrastructure improvements at the Cooleemee Water Treatment Plant to boost workforce and business expansion efforts and economic resiliency. The project, to be matched with $1.6 million in local funds, is expected to create 300 jobs, retain 747 jobs and generate $50 million in private investment.
• The county of Pender, North Carolina, will receive a $1.6 million EDA grant to upgrade their water and wastewater treatment plants to prevent flooding and support economic resiliency. The project, to be matched with $525,000 in local funds, is expected to create 50 jobs, retain 30 jobs and generate $8 million in private investment.

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.