Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million grant to the city of Warner Robins, Georgia, to provide natural gas infrastructure improvements, helping local businesses to expand. This EDA project, to be matched with $4.6 million in local funds, is expected to create 220 jobs, retain 30 jobs, and generate $310 million in private investment.
“President Biden is committed to supporting communities in developing safe and resilient infrastructure to serve businesses and create jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support construction of infrastructure designed to serve multiple existing and expanding businesses in Georgia.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the city of Warner Robins, Georgia, as it seeks to broaden and expand the region’s economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will support necessary infrastructure improvements to support business and create jobs in Georgia.”
“I am proud to see this federal infrastructure investment headed to benefit our middle Georgia community,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. “This will help create and support jobs while keeping our communities safe as we navigate the challenges of the pandemic together.”
“I’m very glad to see these EDA funds, along with local investment, being allocated to a great need in Warner Robins that will spur job creation and economic success for the city, county, and region,” said Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08). “These natural gas infrastructure improvements will allow our local businesses to expand along with room for new development, and I am thankful for our local officials working with the Middle Georgia Regional Commission to make this project happen.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Middle Georgia Regional Commission (MGRC). EDA funds MGRC 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.