U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.6 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Improvements at Nisqually Indian Tribe’s Kalama Creek Hatchery

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4.2 million grant to the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Olympia, Washington, for improvements to the Tribe’s salmon hatchery. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Indigenous Communities program.

This project will facilitate construction of additional rearing space at the Tribe’s Kalama Creek Hatchery, supporting the sustainment of Tribal salmon fisheries and fishery-related businesses. This EDA investment is expected to create or retain more than 100 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA project will sustain an important natural resource and support its continued contribution to the long-term economic development of the Nisqually Indian Tribe.”

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will support the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s efforts to preserve an important marine species vital to the Tribal economy.”

“Salmon are an integral part of Washington state’s economy and culture, including for Tribes like the Nisqually. That’s why I worked tirelessly to secure funds in the American Rescue Plan for Tribal salmon hatcheries,” said Senator Patty Murray. “These Economic Development Administration grants are going to support Washington state Tribes, and create good-paying jobs—all while putting federal resources toward salmon recovery.”

“It is critical that the federal government invest in the South Sound while helping restore our local salmon population,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10). “I applaud the U.S. Economic Development Administration for providing grant support to the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s salmon hatchery project and making a meaningful investment in our tribal and local communities.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically to support the needs of Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities. The program supports these partners to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. Indigenous communities are also eligible and encouraged to apply under all of EDA’s other programs. 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.