Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) hosted the inaugural Regional Commissions Convening in Charleston, West Virginia. The event brought together representatives from EDA and regional commissions throughout the United States.
This event was designed to foster improved coordination between EDA and the commissions, to better help distressed communities succeed in an evolving economy, amplify investment impact, and develop best practices for fostering regional economic development.
Senator and Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (WV) welcomed everyone to the event and underscored continued Congressional interest in implementation of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. The Act called for EDA to deepen the integration and coordination it already has with the Commissions, through this convening, and conversations to help distressed communities across the nation succeed in our changing economy.
“It was a pleasure to join the EDA and the regional commissions for their convening here in Charleston, West Virginia. These organizations have made transformational impacts on communities in West Virginia and on all the areas that they serve nationwide,” said Chairman Shelley Moore Capito. “I am encouraged to see their collaboration and efforts to reduce redundancy, which will help ensure that federal investments are allocated efficiently, effectively and in the greatest service to the communities that need them most.”
“The Trump Administration is committed to making federal investments work harder for the communities that need them most,” said Rob McLeod, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Investments in critical infrastructure, including water system upgrades, are proven to drive business growth, create jobs, and strengthen the local workforce. That’s what America First looks like. Practical investments that deliver real results.”
“This convening was an important step in enhancing partnerships between EDA and the Commissions, and we look forward to continuing the conversation on coordinating support of long-term economic development in distressed communities,” said Ben Page, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer. “This is the first step in a longer conversation around enhanced coordination and monitoring outcomes.”
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.