U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.1 Million to Support Economic Growth in Iberia Parish, Louisiana

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.1 million grant to Sewerage District No. 1 of Iberia Parish, New Iberia, Louisiana, for wastewater infrastructure improvements to support business and research growth in the Acadiana region.

This grant will support the design and construction of a new sewer lift station and force main line to support growth at the Progress Point Industrial Park and UL Lafayette’s New Iberia Research Center. This EDA investment will be matched with $775,000 in local funds.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is making sure communities in Louisiana and across the country have the resources they need for strong, resilient, and prosperous local economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “We know the financial and emotional impact that natural disasters have on communities all over America. This EDA investment will ensure that Louisiana’s Acadiana region has the infrastructure needed to support their families, communities, and growing economy in the aftermath of these tragedies.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This strategic, place-based project in Louisiana will provide critical infrastructure to support business growth and provide the infrastructure needed for a robust, diversified local economy.”

“The economic success of Louisiana relies heavily on robust and safe infrastructure,” said Representative Clay Higgins (LA-03). “This investment allows for continued development at the Progress Point Industrial Park and UL Lafayette’s New Iberia Research Center. These are important facilities that help promote innovation and economic growth throughout the entire Acadiana region.”

These projects are funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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.