U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Transportation Infrastructure Improvements in Visalia, California

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4 million grant to the city of Visalia, California, for transportation infrastructure improvements needed to boost business development and job growth. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

The project will widen a portion of Riggins Avenue, improving access to the Visalia Industrial Park and supporting the expansion plans of the industrial park’s tenants. The EDA investment will be matched with $4.4 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain nearly 225 jobs and generate $360,000 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to harnessing the full power of the federal government to ensure our nation not only recovers from this pandemic but builds a better America for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Visalia will support existing businesses as they seek to expand and create good-paying jobs for the region’s residents.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is proud to partner with Visalia as it works to bolster and expand local economic potential.”

“This American Rescue Plan assistance will fund important transportation infrastructure improvements to better meet the needs of businesses in the Visalia Industrial Park and open the door to new jobs and investment,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “California is grateful to have the Biden Administration’s continued support in our work to promote economic growth in communities across California.”

“I’m proud to have supported the American Rescue Plan, which is providing significant regional economic investments and helping California cities like Visalia continue to recover from the pandemic,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “This funding will allow the city to improve its infrastructure, creating new jobs and supporting the growth of local businesses.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

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.