Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.9 million grant to the county of Davidson, North Carolina, to construct a new stormwater detention pond and other stormwater and sewer improvements to support expansion of industrial and manufacturing business in the region. The EDA grant, to be matched with $1.9 million in local funds, is expected to create 400 jobs and generate $300 million in private investment.
“President Trump is working diligently every day to improve our country’s infrastructure so we can facilitate job creation and success,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This project will provide Davidson County with the needed stormwater drainage infrastructure to support existing business and any new potential business growth.”
“EDA is pleased to support Davidson County’s locally-driven efforts to boost the growth of its industrial and manufacturing base,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “These infrastructure improvements will ensure that existing businesses have the capacity they need to grow and will attract new businesses, including a major wood products manufacturer, to the region.”
“In communities of all sizes across our state, aging water and drainage systems are a challenge,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “These critical dollars will help Davidson County strengthen its infrastructure and demonstrate the county remains ready to support new jobs and businesses.”
“In these uncertain times, when businesses everywhere are struggling, we must take care of our existing manufacturing companies in need of proper infrastructure for operational functionality,” said Senator Thom Tillis. “This grant will provide a new storm water detention pond which is critical for manufacturing companies in Davidson County. Additionally, this funding will attract future investments, which could bring 400 jobs to the area. I applaud this Administration and Secretary Ross for their continued investment in the great state of North Carolina.”
“I couldn’t be more proud to announce that Davidson County will receive this grant funding for economic development,” said Congressman Ted Budd (NC-13). “The grant will allow EGGER Wood Products to further develop their site, potentially expand operations, and support hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment. As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, projects like these go a long way to build up our community, and its workers, for the future.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, which EDA funds to help 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 makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.