U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2 Million for Infrastructure Improvements to Support Disaster Resiliency in Pontotoc, Mississippi

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million grant to the Three Rivers Solid Waste Management Authority in Pontotoc, Mississippi, for infrastructure improvements to support disaster resiliency in the region.

This grant will support upgrades to three solid waste transfer stations, improving disaster preparedness across a seven-county area. This EDA investment will be matched with $5.4 million in local funds.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, the Department of Commerce is investing in disaster resiliency in communities across the country to help them build back stronger from natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will ensure that Pontotoc has the modern infrastructure it needs to protect families and businesses while building a more resilient economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support their disaster resiliency and recovery strategies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will provide Pontotoc with a sustainable foundation to attract and retain new businesses and residents, helping to diversify and grow the local economy.”

“I am thrilled to see the U.S. Department of Commerce join the state and local stakeholders in investing in the disaster resiliency of northeast Mississippi,” said Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “The residents in these counties, who are no stranger to catastrophic natural disasters like tornadoes, will be the ultimate beneficiaries as this significant funding is put to work and as Three Rives completes these critical improvements.”

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.