U.S. Department of Commerce Awards Approximately $48 Million Tech Hubs Grant to Strengthen the Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Industry in Washington and Idaho
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, edamedia@eda.gov
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has selected the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub, led by American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center, for an approximately $48 million Tech Hubs grant to implement a project to develop new domestic supply chains to meet the immediate demand for high-rate production of advanced composite aerostructures in defense and commercial markets.
The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub is among six Tech Hubs to receive awards from additional funding for the Tech Hubs Program through the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The grant will support a project that develops and fabricates prototypes and test elements for military and commercial applications using cutting-edge equipment specifically designed for large-scale thermoplastic composites; designs technical specifications for producing aero-grade thermoplastic composites while exploring opportunities to reuse the material and divert waste from landfills; and hires staff to manage the technical functions of the testbed, coordinate with industry and academic partners to integrate the facility into workforce development efforts, and establish metrics and benchmarks to measure progress.
“To out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world, we need to ensure we’re investing in the industries of the future that will drive American innovation, manufacturing, and workforce to succeed in a 21st century economy – that's how America maintains its competitive edge,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The Tech Hubs Program and this latest allocation of funds are the result of bipartisan cooperation in Congress – I hope that good-faith work will endure so we can continue to invest in these centers of excellence across the nation, which in return, are providing good-paying jobs in industries of the future and helping to strengthen U.S. economic and national security.”
“We are so pleased that bipartisan support in Congress for the Tech Hubs Program will allow us to make even more impactful investments in the future of America’s economy,” said Cristina Killingsworth, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This implementation funding will empower the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub to spur job growth, attract private investment, and fortify its regional economy as a global leader in aerospace materials manufacturing.”
“Spokane's American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center is strengthening our supply chains and continuing Washington state's tradition of innovation and ingenuity,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “This award is a testament to the strength and ingenuity of our workforce and career education training efforts, our innovation ecosystem, and to the entire Spokane community. Congratulations to Gonzaga University, the nearly 50 Spokane area partner organizations, to our Washington state agencies, and to our Congressional delegation for making this possible.”
“This is great news for Spokane and all of Eastern Washington,” said Senator Patty Murray. “These new resources build on the hundreds of millions I fought hard to secure for Tech Hubs under tough funding constraints and this award is a testament to the cutting-edge research and incredible collaboration happening across Washington state. These investments are critical as we work to ensure Washington state continues to lead the way in aerospace innovation and jobs. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, fighting for the resources we need to help spur the already incredible work happening in our state will always be a top priority for me.”
“The country that figures out how to use advanced materials to increase manufacturing capacity and aircraft fuel efficiency is going to have a huge competitive advantage,” said Senator Maria Cantwell. “America is handing the baton to Spokane – establishing it as an innovation testbed for high-rate aerospace materials manufacturing. We’re betting on Spokane’s leadership and manufacturing base to solve the aviation challenges America faces. This important R&D mission will help ensure our nation’s future aerospace leadership.”
The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub is among 31 Tech Hubs designated in October 2023 by President Biden to scale up the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries, strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security, and accelerate the growth of industries of the future in regions across the United States.
Last year, the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub received a $500,000 Consortium Accelerator Award to continue implementing their strategies, including the pursuit of additional capital.
Learn more about the Tech Hubs Program at TechHubs.gov.
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.