U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.9 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds for Water Infrastructure Improvements to Support Tourism in Berkshire County, Massachusetts

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.9 million grant to Adams, Massachusetts, for water infrastructure improvements. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will expand tourism and outdoor recreational activities in Berkshire County through the development of the Greylock Glen Resort. The EDA investment will be matched with $1.2 million in local funds and is expected to create 476 jobs and generate $42 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to supporting the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector as it works to recover and rebuild following the pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will attract additional outdoor enthusiasts to Berkshire County, boosting the economy and creating jobs.”

“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led development strategies designed to boost tourism and build a better America,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will provide infrastructure including a new water storage tank, water main, telephone lines and other improvements, expanding local recreational opportunities and building economic resiliency.”

“This $2.9 million grant from the EDA will develop the Greylock Glen Resort and improve water infrastructure – bringing even more people from across the Commonwealth and the country to enjoy the natural beauty of Berkshires and contribute to the local economy,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “I am grateful for the hard work and advocacy of my government and community partners in Adams that helped secure this critical funding, and I will continue fighting for federal investments for communities across the Commonwealth.”

“Travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation are the fun and fundamentals of the Berkshire County economy,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “This multi-million-dollar federal grant will help support these growing industries while boosting the local economy, creating hundreds of jobs, and generating billions for the region.”

“The American Rescue Plan was instrumental in driving our nation’s historic economic rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal (MA-01). “The funds that were allocated through Congress are part of our long-term plan for recovery. This EDA funding for the Greylock Glen project in Adams will immediately stimulate the economy with jobs, and provide lasting support through tourism, recreation, and educational opportunities for years to come.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC). EDA funds BRPC 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 $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

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.