U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.5 Million to Support Disaster Recovery Planning in Connecticut

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.5 million grant to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in Mashantucket, Connecticut, to develop a comprehensive feasibility study for the Mashantucket Pequot Reshoring Essential Medicine Manufacturing (REMIND) effort.

This grant will help determine the overall viability of launching a generic drug production facility on the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, to be owned and operated by the Tribe and benefit the surrounding region.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is about providing all communities with the opportunities and resources they need to thrive in today’s economy, including Tribal communities in Connecticut and across the nation,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will help ensure the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has the resources they need to expand tribal facilities and boost resiliency to natural disasters.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally developed strategies to help communities mitigate the impacts of natural disasters,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to help prepare the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation for continued economic growth following natural disasters.”

“Locally developed drugs ensure certainty of access to, and quality of, critical medicines. This $2.5 million in federal funding will provide the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe with important resources to advance Connecticut based drug research and development. I am proud to advocate for more resources for our communities to become resilient to future disasters,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“Our communities are more resilient when we invest early in the long-term economic security of our local tribes and towns. This $2.5 million EDA grant from President Biden’s Investing in America initiative will create lots of good-paying local jobs that will support the growth of Tribal economies and expand economic opportunities for all so communities across the region are better equipped to respond to future disasters,” said Senator Chris Murphy.

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.