Press Release

U.S. Economic Development Administration Invests $364,000 to Support Growth of Aquaculture Cluster in Central Florida

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Thursday, August 22, 2013

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $364,000 grant to the city of Fellsmere, Florida, to build critical roadway infrastructure that will strengthen and enhance the region’s growing aquaculture cluster. This investment is expected to create 42 jobs and generate $10.4 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Obama administration is committed to strengthening the critical infrastructure that is vital to the economic health of local communities,” said U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Matt Erskine. “The EDA grant announced today will help ensure the continued economic viability of Florida’s job-creating aquaculture cluster.”

The EDA investment will fund the construction of roadway infrastructure to support growth of the region’s aquaculture cluster. The cluster includes a commercial-scale, state-of-the-art aquaculture program in Fellsmere and an adjoining facility that will house a research and development consortium that includes the Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Institute, the Florida Institute of Technology, and Texas Tech University.

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.