U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.4 Million to Protect Businesses and Residents from Flooding in Benson, Minnesota

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.4 million grant to the city of Benson, Minnesota, to build an enclosed flood protection system for the city’s wastewater treatment plant and replace wastewater pipes to a local industrial park to protect businesses and residents during flooding events. The EDA grant, to be matched with $353,421 in local investment, is expected to create 20 jobs, retain 58 jobs, and spur $60 million in private investment.

“Fortifying our nation’s infrastructure is a critical part of ensuring that local communities are resilient to storms and natural disasters, said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide greater protection for Benson’s wastewater treatment plant, enabling local businesses to continue operations during severe flooding events.”

“EDA is proud to support Benson’s efforts to protect its residents and businesses from floods and other natural disasters,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will not only protect the city’s wastewater treatment plant from flooding, but also replace wastewater main pipes to a local industrial park, improving service to businesses and encouraging further private investment in the area.”

“When we invest in infrastructure and emergency preparedness, we invest in a safer community that will benefit future generations,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “This funding will make the city of Benson more resilient to flooding, helping to protect Minnesotans’ health while supporting the local economy.”

“Water systems are essential parts of our infrastructure,” said Senator Tina Smith. “But if they’re not up-to-date, it puts our public health and safety at risk. This grant will replace wastewater pipes in Benson to protect residents and businesses from flooding. It will also fund a flood protection system for Benson’s wastewater treatment plant. I’m glad to see the federal government backing Minnesota priorities like this, and look forward to following the progress of the projects.”

“I’m glad to see the EDA award this generous grant to Benson,” said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07). “It’s a great partnership that will create jobs and, most importantly, protect thousands of people from flood risk.”

This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-20), which provided EDA with $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas affected by Hurricanes Florence, Michael, and Lane, Typhoons Yutu and Mangkhut, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and other major natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2018, and tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019, under the Robert T. Stafford Act. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.