U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $637,147 to Support Disaster Resiliency and Economic Growth in San Jose, California

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $637,147 grant to San Jose State University Research Foundation in San Jose, California, to strengthen the Moss Landing Marine Laboratory site against sea level rise and natural disasters, and to spearhead development of a working waterfront to serve as a commercial asset to the region.

This grant will support project feasibility, scheduling, and construction, as well as the hiring of specialists to perform geotechnical and environmental assessments. This EDA investment will be matched with more than $150,000 in local funds.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity while planning for a sustainable future,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to assist in this disaster recovery work in order to develop strong, resilient regional economies with the right plans and infrastructure needed to weather future disasters.”

“San Jose State and its Moss Landing Marine Laboratory are leading institutions for developing our marine leaders of tomorrow, but rising sea levels and climate impacts are threatening their facilities,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “This investment, combined with local funding, will help the Laboratory build disaster resiliency while fostering economic growth across the region.”

“The Biden-Harris Administration continues to deliver on its promise in supporting California’s natural disaster resilience,” said Senator Laphonza Butler. “Thanks to these federal dollars from the EDA, recovery efforts in San Jose will be much stronger, and coastal communities will be less vulnerable to escalating threats of sea level rise. Investments like this one go a long way in providing real relief and peace of mind to California families.”

“San Jose State University’s Moss Landing Marine Laboratory helps the scientific community better understand the marine world, and I welcome efforts that improve and safeguard this important research,” said Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18). “I applaud the EDA for delivering this federal funding that will strengthen site infrastructure against natural disasters and create new economic and scientific opportunities for the region.”

This project is 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.