Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.8 Million to Support Businesses and Infrastructure Development in Brewton, Alabama

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.8 million grant to the City of Brewton, Alabama, to support infrastructure improvements that will assist the local business community and help drive new private investment in the region. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 300 jobs and spur $5.9 million in private investment.

“As the President has said, countless towns and cities throughout the United States are in need of new and updated infrastructure,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “Brewton’s water and sewer upgrades will aid the local commercial community, providing further growth and new jobs to the region.”

“I thank Secretary Ross and the Department of Commerce for making this grant possible,” said Governor Ivey. “To the members of the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and the Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission, thank you for your work in submitting this grant request and all you do to improve the infrastructure and increase economic development possibilities in your area. This grant will surely mean more jobs and more investments in our great state. We are committed to improving the lives of Alabamians and the receiving of this grant is a huge leap forward.”

“Thank you to President Trump, Secretary Ross, and the Economic Development Administration for their continued support of rural America,” said Congressman Bradley Byrne. “In order to thrive economically, our communities need safe, reliable, and modern infrastructure, and this grant will ensure that Brewton has the infrastructure necessary to attract and retain new industry.”

This project involves the construction of water and sewer mains, a standpipe elevated water tank, and a water well. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and the Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission. EDA funds the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and the Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission 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.