Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.9 Million to Extend Fiber Optic Network to Business District in Eugene
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
May 23, 2017
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross Jr., today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.9 million grant to the city of Eugene, Oregon, to install fiber-optic cable that will deliver high-speed Internet service to downtown businesses. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 215 jobs.
“The Trump Administration is committed to not only retaining jobs in this country, but also to creating new opportunities through infrastructure improvements,” said Secretary Ross. “I look forward to seeing how this project will increase capacity for the local business community.”
The fiber optic network installation will run along downtown Eugene’s central business district. This project will help improve internet connectivity to generate further economic development and provide local businesses with the capacity to expand.
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.