U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.9 Million for Water and Sewer Infrastructure Improvements to Boost the Biotechnology and Healthcare Sectors in North Carolina

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $3.9 million in the state of North Carolina for infrastructure improvements needed to support the biotechnology and healthcare sectors.

The EDA investments announced today are:

The city of Brevard will receive $2.4 million for water and sewer infrastructure improvements to support the biotechnology manufacturing sector following tropical storm activity. This EDA investment will be matched with $593,189 in local funds and is expected to create nearly 60 jobs and generate $55 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

The town of Spruce Pine will receive $1.5 million for water infrastructure improvements to support expansion of the healthcare sector in the region. This EDA investment will be matched with $413,350 in local funds and is expected to create 30 jobs and generate $15.7 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration knows that infrastructure is crucial to building an economy that works for all Americans,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments will provide North Carolina communities with the resources they need to bolster and diversify the local economy, all while creating good jobs in the state.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “This project will provide critical water infrastructure improvements that will not only build economic resiliency but will also allow for future business growth and expansion.”

“Drinking water, wastewater and sewer infrastructure improvements are vital for the well-being of our communities and we’re grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration’s continued investments in North Carolina,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “These investments will support critical projects in the Brevard and Spruce Pine areas, bringing new jobs and a significant economic impact to our state.”

“This worthy investment in the city of Brevard will benefit WNC citizens by improving the resiliency of water and sewer infrastructure to withstand tropical storm activity while also creating jobs,” said Representative Chuck Edwards (NC-11). “I applaud the folks at Land of Sky Regional Council for their planning and efforts to strengthen our local infrastructure and economy.”

The city of Brevard project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Land of Sky Regional Council (LOS). The town of Spruce Pine project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Region D Council of Governments (RDCOG). EDA funds LOS and RDCOG to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

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.