U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4 Million to Make Critical Flood-Related Infrastructure Improvements in Atlantic City, New Jersey

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4 million grant to the city of Atlantic City, New Jersey, to support the Fisherman’s Park Pump Station Improvements and Atlantic City Inlets Retrofits projects.

This grant will support pumping station infrastructure improvements needed to protect residents and local businesses from flooding. This EDA investment will be matched with $1 million in local funds and is expected to create 165 jobs and generate $41 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is a commitment to getting communities in New Jersey and across the country the resources they need to improve their resiliency to natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will ensure that Atlantic City has the modern infrastructure it needs to protect businesses and build a more resilient economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support their disaster recovery and resiliency strategies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will provide Atlantic City with a sustainable foundation to attract and retain new businesses and residents, helping to diversify and grow the local economy.”

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Biden Administration to aid us in improving resiliency projects in one of our state’s gems, the City of Atlantic City,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “There is no doubt that as we see stronger storms and other natural disasters, our precious shore communities will be at risk for some of the most dangerous effects, including heavy flooding. This funding will provide the community with much needed improvements to their protection systems.”

“This funding is more crucial than ever as climate change brings more frequent and fierce storms to the shores of New Jersey,” said Senator Bob Menendez. “Every year I fight for much-needed funding to bolster critical flood-prevention infrastructure along New Jersey’s waterways, and I am extremely proud to see this type of investment make its way to Atlantic City. I want to thank President Biden for his leadership in making sure New Jersey is well-protected in the fight against natural disasters.”

“Investing in flood infrastructure is crucial for the safety and prosperity of Atlantic City’s businesses and residents,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Thanks to the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda, critical infrastructure projects that create jobs and attract private investments are coming to life all around Jersey. I applaud the EDA’s commitment to driving economic growth and building stronger, more resilient communities.”

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.