U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.7 Million to Support Infrastructure Improvements at the Central Louisiana Regional Port

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.7 million grant to the Central Louisiana Regional Port in Alexandria, Louisiana, for infrastructure improvements needed to support disaster resiliency and efficiency improvements at the port.

This grant will enable infrastructure and transportation improvements to expand the port’s capabilities. This EDA investment will be matched with $2.7 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain more than 80 jobs and generate $600,000 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, the Department of Commerce is working to ensure that communities in Louisiana and across the country have the resources needed to grow strong, resilient regional economies, even in the aftermath of natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide Central Louisiana Regional Port with the resources needed to create modern and sustainable infrastructure, supporting local businesses and catalyzing the long-term growth of the region’s economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will provide critical port infrastructure to improve capacity and efficiency, leading to job creation and a stronger, more resilient regional economy.”

“The Central Louisiana Regional Port is an integral part of the Fifth District of Louisiana and the state as a whole,” said Representative Julia Letlow (LA-05). “This new grant will go beyond providing jobs and economic stimulation; it will propel our communities and set them up for lasting success.”

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. 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.