U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $18 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements to Support Economic Growth in Cleveland, Georgia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding an $18 million grant to the city of Cleveland, Georgia, for water infrastructure improvements to support job creation and economic growth.

This grant will support upgrades to the local wastewater treatment plant that will increase capacity, creating jobs and opportunities in the region. This EDA investment will be matched with $3.2 million in local funds and is expected to create 79 jobs and generate $9.7 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to ensuring that the United States leads the world in infrastructure and he is delivering on that promise with announcements like this one,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will allow the city of Cleveland develop the modern and sustainable infrastructure needed to support businesses, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen communities throughout Georgia.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide critical infrastructure improvements to help diversify the regional economy and create jobs.”

“Senator Warnock and I continue to support Georgia’s economic development — today, with resources for water infrastructure improvements in Cleveland. I thank President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary Raimondo, and Assistant Secretary Castillo for their assistance and support,” said Senator Jon Ossoff.

“The health of Georgia’s communities is tied to the health of our environment, which is why I am proud to have supported legislation making this $18 million grant for Cleveland possible,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. “As a pastor and public servant, I believe we are called to be good stewards of our Earthly home and its resources so we can pass them on to future generations. By investing in clean water and infrastructure upgrades, we are investing in healthy and thriving communities across Georgia for decades to come.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC). EDA funds GMRC 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 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.