Press Release

U.S. EDA Invests to Create Jobs, Enhance Competitiveness in Port of Chehalis, Washington

June 29, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $40,000 grant to the Port of Chehalis, Wash., to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing an industrial incubator facility designed to attract new entrepreneurs and businesses and increase employment in the region.

"Incubation is a core part of any effort to spur local entrepreneurship," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA grant will provide a blueprint for revitalizing an industrial area that has the potential to generate new economic opportunity and jobs."

EDA's investment will conduct a feasibility study and master plan that will identify the potential industrial uses for the Connell Industrial Area and adjacent properties and outline additional infrastructure improvements necessary to serve businesses and industries. The analysis will be site specific but will also serve to determine the types of cluster development best suited for the region's economic revitalization and growth.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:

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.