U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4 Million for Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements to Support Job Creation in Independence, Oregon

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4 million grant to the city of Independence, Oregon, for wastewater infrastructure improvements to support job creation in the region.

This grant will support the renovation and expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment plant, increasing the system’s resilience to future natural disasters. This EDA investment will be matched with $1 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain nearly 250 jobs and generate $25 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration knows that infrastructure is crucial  to building an economy that works for all Americans,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will allow the city of Independence to strengthen the wastewater treatment system, bolstering the local economy and community.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the city of Independence, Oregon, as it builds capacity for economic growth in the region,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide critical upgrades to wastewater infrastructure that will not only build economic resiliency, but will also allow for future business growth and expansion.”

“Aging water infrastructure is stalling community development across our state,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This award will allow the City of Independence to advance critical economic development opportunities and provide resilient wastewater services. Oregon is grateful for the leadership and investment in infrastructure improvements from the Biden-Harris Administration.”

“Continuing to improve Oregon’s critical infrastructure, while also creating good-paying local jobs adds up to a big win in my book,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “Oregonians deserve to raise their families in healthy environments while being able to make a living in the communities they choose to call home. I’m gratified that this investment will bolster these efforts in Independence, improving livability for the Oregonians who live in this Polk County community and allowing for future growth and business expansion.”

“Concern about aging water infrastructure is a frequent topic during the town halls I hold in every corner of Oregon,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “This federal funding is a major boost for Independence’s efforts to renovate and expand the city’s wastewater treatment plant, while creating a lot of good-paying jobs in the process. I’ll continue to do all I can to ensure every community has reliable water sanitation by addressing outdated water infrastructure here in Oregon and across the nation.”

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.