U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $6.6 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements to Support Job Growth in Halifax County, Virginia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $6.6 million grant to Halifax County, Virginia, for water infrastructure improvements needed to support job growth and economic development. 

This grant will provide increased water service to the Virginia Motorsport Technology Park, creating jobs and opportunities in the region. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.7 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain 250 jobs and generate $7.8 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration knows that infrastructure is key to building an economy that works for all Americans and helps every community grow,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will ensure that Halifax County has the resources necessary to create modern and sustainable infrastructure that powers local businesses and create good-paying jobs in the region.”

“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, ensure its resiliency, and create jobs.” 

“This is a welcome announcement for Halifax County that will bring jobs, infrastructure improvements, and key economic development,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The collaboration at each level of government will make a profound impact on Virginia Motorsport Technology Park and the entire community.” 

“I am thrilled to see this federal funding help infrastructure development in Halifax County. This grant will help create jobs and continue to foster economic growth in the region,” said Senator Mark Warner. 

“Upgrading our nation’s infrastructure is an investment in our future. I’m glad to have helped secure $6.6 million in federal funding for water infrastructure improvements in Halifax County,” said Senator Tim Kaine. “This investment will create hundreds of jobs, support local businesses, and generate economic growth in the region.” 

“This grant is an important investment in the infrastructure of the VIRginia Motorsport Technology Park here in Halifax County,” said Representative Bob Good (VA-05). “Southside Virginia is a great place to live and work, so I am grateful for this partnership and the support it is providing for the local economy.” 

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southside Planning District Commission (SPDC) and the West Piedmont Planning District Commission (WPPDC). EDA funds these organizations 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.