U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.8 Million to Support Clean Energy Business Development in Paulsboro, New Jersey
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.8 million grant to Paulsboro, New Jersey, to expand the Paulsboro Water Treatment Plant in support of business development and job growth in the offshore wind industry.
This project will provide the wastewater infrastructure capacity needed to bring new businesses and jobs to the community, including those in support of clean energy development. The EDA investment will be matched with $2.8 million in local funds and is expected to create 500 jobs, retain 100 jobs, and generate $250 million in private investment.
“President Biden and this administration applaud community-led efforts to create a clean energy future for the country while growing the regional economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide the wastewater treatment capacity necessary for the development of a new manufacturing facility for offshore wind turbine components.”
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to provide the vital infrastructure that businesses need to be successful,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will help create a more resilient local economy while also helping meet the Biden Administration’s commitment to a clean energy future.”
“This critical funding will allow Paulsboro to modernize and expand its water infrastructure to the benefit of families and small businesses across the town,” said Senator Bob Menendez. “Throughout my time in the Senate, I have advocated for and secured millions of dollars in federal investments to upgrade Paulsboro’s water system, which is vital to the health and safety of the community and benefits the local economy. This project will also facilitate the expansion of our state’s growing offshore wind industry and help to create good-paying jobs and a clean energy future. I thank President Biden for his commitment to ensuring South Jersey has the resources to stay economically competitive in the 21st century.”
“As this project demonstrates, New Jersey continues to be a leader in the offshore wind industry, using clean energy development as a lever to expand economic opportunity,” said Senator Cory Booker. “This federal funding will build upon the success of local efforts to transform the Port of Paulsboro into an economic hub. I am proud to support these efforts through this critical EDA funding that will create jobs in our state, strengthen the local economy, and help us address the climate crisis at the same time.”
“The offshore wind industry in South Jersey means good-paying, clean energy jobs for local workers,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01). “To accommodate economic growth, we need to invest in the infrastructure that will support a growing industrial base right here in Paulsboro. I’m excited to see federal agencies like the EDA supporting local projects to accelerate our transition to clean energy 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 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.