U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $903,847 to Support Tourism in Neah Bay, Washington

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $903,847 grant to the Makah Indian Tribe of the Makah Indian Reservation in Neah Bay, Washington, to support the local tourism industry.

This grant will support an enhanced feasibility study of the Hobuck Beach Resort in preparation for the construction of a new motel on Tribal land.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is about ensuring that all communities have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “This award will advance economic development to create new jobs for the Makah Indian Tribe following natural disasters in the region, ensuring that the local economy will continue to thrive.”

“Great news for one the most spectacular parts of our state,” said Senator Maria Cantwell. “This federal grant will boost local NW Washington tourism hurt by major flooding and landslides in 2021 by helping the Makah Tribe rebuild critical infrastructure, construct a new motel, and support job growth.”

“Communities across the Olympic Peninsula benefit from tourism to support their local economies. I’m thrilled that the Economic Development Administration will be providing federal support to the Makah Tribe to help advance the Tribe’s plans to build a new motel in Neah Bay,” said Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-6). “This new motel will help provide jobs to the region and enhance the Tribe’s ability to bring visitors, and their pocketbooks, to one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

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.