U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.1 Million for Infrastructure Improvements to Support Manufacturing and Create Jobs in Clarksdale, Mississippi

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.1 million grant to the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors in Clarksdale, Mississippi, for roadway and water infrastructure improvements to support manufacturing and job growth.

This grant will support the local boat manufacturing sector, creating jobs and opportunities in the region. This EDA investment will be matched with $2.5 million in state and local funds and is expected to create 56 jobs and generate $8.3 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is a commitment to ensuring that communities in Mississippi and across the country have the resources needed to grow and strengthen their economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA grant will support Coahoma County as they create modern and sustainable infrastructure that will expand local businesses, establish good-paying jobs, and bolster the local economy.”

“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 in Coahoma County to help diversify the regional economy and create jobs that will benefit all of Mississippi.”

“This grant highlights the power of collaborative partnerships and shows our joint commitment to improving infrastructure and creating jobs in Clarksdale and the broader Mississippi Delta region. Making real progress that offers valuable opportunities for our constituents is deeply satisfying, driving us towards building stronger, more successful communities,” said Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02).

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the North Delta Planning and Development District (NDPDD). EDA funds NDPDD 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.