U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.9 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Establish Tribal Health Center in Cedar City, Utah

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.9 million grant to the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah (PITU), Cedar City, Utah, for construction of the new Cedar City Community Health Center. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program.

This investment is a good example of EDA’s commitment to Indigenous communities, as well as to addressing Equity as one of its top investment priorities. This project will provide expanded, affordable access to medical, behavioral health, and dental care to the Tribal community. This EDA grant is expected to create or retain approximately 50 jobs.

“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide critical healthcare infrastructure to the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, enhancing their ability to respond to future healthcare issues.”

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will support construction of the new Cedar City Community Health Center, providing critical healthcare and dental services for PITU members while creating new jobs for the healthcare workforce.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Five County Association of Governments (Five County AOG). EDA funds the Five County AOG 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.

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically to support the needs of Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities. The program supports these partners to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. Indigenous communities are also eligible and encouraged to apply under all of EDA’s other programs.

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.