EDA awards grants for port and industrial roadway upgrades

The Economic Development Administration (EDA), a branch of the U.S. Commerce Department, recently awarded $5.6 million in grants for port and industrial roadway upgrades.

The grants are divided between three projects and will be used only for infrastructure improvements. All of the projects are designed to support the industrial activity in both Arizona and California.

The largest awarded is awarded to the American Canyon industrial district located in California. This amount, which totals at $2.5 million, will be used to rehabilitate a major road that currently serves the district.

According to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, the EDA’s project will offer the crucial transit and access to the industrial area, allowing job growth as well as heightened competitiveness for the businesses in the area.

The Oxnard Harbor District, located in Port Hueneme, California, received $1.5 million in grants. The funds will be used to improve the wharf and berth.

"According to grantee estimates, this project will create 127 jobs and save more than 3,000 existing jobs," the EDA said.

The last project to receive grants is in Chino Valley, Arizona. The funds include the remaining $1.6 million and will be used to finance the new and improved roadways between an industrial part, water mains, and sewer construction.

The current situation in Chino Valley is not adequate to supporting existing businesses, as they are not able to expand or recruit new employers.