U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.6 Million to Support Development of New Business and Healthcare Infrastructure in King and Queen County, Virginia
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.6 million grant to King and Queen County, Virginia.
This project will address a pressing need for new medical and business development space in King and Queen County by supporting the construction of a multi-tenant, pre-engineered metal building to house a telehealth center and a telework facility. This EDA project, to be matched with $400,000 in local funds, is expected to generate $200,000 in private investment.
“This pandemic has made it crystal clear that Americans must access to reliable, affordable healthcare facilities and new economic opportunities,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment recognizes and mitigates some of the challenges King and Queen County has faced as a medically underserved community, especially in the face of the COVID-19.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support King and Queen County as it seeks to build economic opportunity in an area of greatest need for local residents,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will promote economic stability and private investment in Virginia’s Middle Peninsula.”
“All Virginians, no matter where they live, should have access to the healthcare facilities they need and economic opportunity,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “This is an exciting project, as telehealth and telework present us with a unique opportunity to address longstanding health and economic inequities in underserved rural communities like King and Queen County.”
“This investment in Virginia’s King and Queen County will not only spur economic development but will also bring affordable and accessible medical care to the community,” said Senator Mark Warner. “I am excited to see continued investments across Virginia that bolster the Commonwealth’s economy and serve Virginians in need.”
“I’m proud to see these dollars go toward addressing health and business development needs in King and Queen County,” said Senator Tim Kaine. “As we continue to recover from the impacts of COVID, improving access to telehealth and telework services will be paramount to ensuring no community is left behind.”
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.