U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $16.1 Million to Boost Business and Job Growth in California

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $16.1 million in the state of California to support community and workforce development projects needed to expand economic opportunity in underserved areas.

The EDA investments announced today are:

• The Yurok Economic Development Corporation in Klamath will receive a $6 million EDA grant to redevelop and modernize a fuel distribution center, providing new economic opportunity for members of the Yurok Tribe. The project will be matched with $300,000 in local funds and is expected to create 16 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
• Alchemist Community Development Corporation in Sacramento will receive a $3.9 million EDA grant for construction of a new facility focused on workforce development, job training, and public market space for underserved entrepreneurs. The project, to be matched with $969,858 in local funds, is expected to create 331 jobs and generate $295,000 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
• The Tule River Economic Development Corporation in Portersville will receive a $3.2 million EDA grant for infrastructure improvements needed to develop a new business park on a 40-acre site located on the Tule River Indian Reservation. The project, to be matched with $1.6 million in local funds, is expected to create 112 jobs and generate $1.4 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
• San Bernardino Community College District Economic Development and Corporate Training in San Bernardino will receive a $3 million EDA grant to construct a multi-purpose instructional facility to expand workforce training in high-demand occupations including HVAC maintenance and repair, construction trades, and advanced manufacturing. The project, to be matched with $1.1 million in local funds, is expected to create 495 jobs and retain 807 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“As part of the Biden Administration’s commitment to investing in America, we’re making sure that communities in California and across the country have the resources they need to grow and diversify their economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments will support underserved communities across the Golden State as they work to develop new employment opportunities for residents.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to provide targeted, place-based grants designed to support local business growth and workforce development,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “These projects will address the urgent need for economic equity by breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship and increasing the availability of training in high-demand occupations.”

“California is working to expand economic opportunity in every corner of our state,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for advancing these grants, which will support local projects led by the Yurok Economic Development Corporation, Tule River Economic Development Corporation, San Bernardino Community College District, and Alchemist Community Development Corporation to create new jobs, expand workforce development opportunities, and help equip entrepreneurs and businesses with the tools they need to succeed.”

“Continued investment in California projects and programs that provide employment training and improved educational opportunities to our most underserved communities is the key to building a strong economy that works for everyone,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “I’m proud to advocate for this funding that will strengthen local businesses and our workforce.”

“Building out diverse workforces in underserved areas will help grow local economies that have downstream benefits for everyone. This funding from the EDA is another way Democrats are investing in America – creating new jobs, supporting small businesses, and lifting up communities that need it most. I’m glad to see the Yurok Tribe in my district get a significant part of this grant – it will go a long way in creating new opportunities for their community,” said Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02).

“I am delighted that the Economic Development Administration has awarded a $3.9 million grant to the Alchemist Community Development Corporation to support emerging entrepreneurs in our community,” said Congressman Ami Bera (CA-06). “As the nation’s Farm to Fork Capital, Sacramento County continues to lead the way in expanding access to local and fresh food. This grant will help create economic opportunity, expand workforce development, and promote access to public market spaces for everyone. I look forward to seeing the important work that the Alchemist Community Development Corporation will be able to accomplish with this grant.”

“I’m thrilled that San Bernardino Community College District Economic Development and Corporate Training will receive $3 million for their new training facility. This expansion will not only allow more young people in our region to receive high-quality workforce training that prepares them for stable, good-paying careers, but also create more than a thousand jobs here in the Inland Empire,” said Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-33). “This critical investment from the Department of Commerce is a testament to the Biden Administration’s and my commitment to getting Americans back to work and building a stronger middle class.”

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.