Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million for Business Development and Job Growth in Johnson City, Tennessee

WASHINGTON – To support local efforts to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced today that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to Johnson City, Tennessee, to upgrade the City's wastewater treatment plant to serve an existing employer and to encourage additional business growth. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create or retain 400 jobs and generate $9 million in private investment.

“The Trump Administration is working every day to help America’s coal industry, its workers, and their communities,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This project will provide the capacity that local businesses need to expand while helping to attract new businesses to Johnson City.”

“It’s great to see such a strong investment made in the infrastructure of Johnson City,” said U.S. Representative Phil Roe M.D. “This grant will aid in the continued revitalization of the city, leverage $9 million in private investment and promote long-term economic growth. With 400 jobs created, these funds will ensure Johnson City continues to thrive by promoting business development and investing in workforce development. I am pleased Johnson City is receiving this important funding to support its restoration efforts, and I’m grateful for the U.S. Department of Commerce for its support of projects like this which will bring further restoration to the First District.”

This project is funded under EDA’s 2018 Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC 2108) program, through which EDA will award funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal through activities and programs that support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the First Tennessee Development District. EDA funds First Tennessee Development District to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

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.