U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.5 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Tourism in Long Beach, Washington

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.5 million grant to the city of Long Beach, Washington, to boost business and job growth by supporting improvements to existing tourist infrastructure. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will support the renovation of 2,150 feet of waterfront boardwalk, improving a key visitor amenity critical to the local tourist economy. This EDA grant will be matched with $620,904 in local funds and is expected to create or retain more than 105 jobs and generate $1.6 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden recognizes the vital contribution the travel and tourism industry makes to the American economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Long Beach will help the region’s tourism sector not only recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic but build back stronger for the future.”

“The Economic Development Administration is dedicated to working with communities to support their locally-driven strategies to recover and rebuild from the pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will extend the life of an important visitor attraction, sustaining the future of the area’s tourism industry.”

“Long Beach has some of the most beautiful coastlines in Washington state and it’s an important tourism hub. As we recover from the pandemic, it’s critical that small businesses have the support they need to get back on track and continue to grow,” said Senator Patty Murray. “I fought hard to pass the American Rescue Plan, which included Economic Development Administration grants, because I knew it would deliver resources directly to those who need it the most. I’m thrilled to secure these Economic Development Administration grants for the Long Beach Boardwalk so businesses, families, and tourists can enjoy it for generations to come.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. 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.