Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests to Establish Advanced Carbon Products Innovation Center in Campbell County, Wyoming

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.46 million grant to the Campbell County Economic Development Corporation of Gillette, Wyoming, to help build an Advanced Carbon Products Innovation Center that will spur new business growth in the Powder River Basin region. This EDA grant will be matched with $1.46 million in state and local funds, and is expected to help create 40 jobs and generate $15 million in private investment.

“The Trump Administration is fulfilling the President’s promise to America’s coal workers,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The new Advanced Carbon Products Innovation Center to be located in Campbell County will provide a place for entrepreneurs to research new coal products, develop new industries, and create jobs for the people of Wyoming.”

“I’m heartened that this administration is putting its money to work encouraging continued economic development with one of our nation’s most important resources, coal,” said Governor Gordon. “It aligns with my ongoing efforts to utilize technology to develop new uses for Wyoming coal.” “This news comes at a challenging time for us in Campbell County,” said Senator Mike Enzi. “I am hopeful that the Advanced Carbon Products Innovation Center will help Gillette and the surrounding areas create a sustainable future for coal and for our workers. I am glad the Economic Development Administration is investing in this center, which will help companies advance technologies and use coal for new products and processes.”

“The Trump administration’s announcement today is welcome news for Wyoming and coal country,” said Senator Barrasso. “Wyoming is already leading the way on innovative carbon research. Investing in projects and jobs like this will help make sure coal remains a key component in the nation’s economy well into the future.”

“The Trump administration today took a critical step in reversing President Obama’s War on Coal by further investing in Wyoming’s coal industry,” said Congresswoman Liz Cheney. “This announcement, particularly on the heels of the devastating news out of Campbell County last month, brings welcome news to our state. As the nation’s leading coal-producing state, Wyoming has experienced first-hand the harmful impacts of Democrat attempts to kill the industry. Thankfully, President Trump recognizes that coal is a crucial form of predictable base-load power in this nation and a form of power generation that we cannot do without. I will continue to work alongside President Trump to fight for Wyoming’s coal industry.”

This EDA project will help to build two new buildings at the Fort Union Industrial Park in central Campbell County to serve as the new Advanced Carbon Products Innovation Center. The facility will advance the most promising coal-related technologies being developed at the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources, and will facilitate moving new technology from lab to market.

This project is funded under the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) 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.

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.