U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration announced a $640,994 grant for the Seafood Industrial Park in Newport News, Va.
The grant will support support preliminary engineering studies, design, site plan development, environmental work and dock and dredging improvements at the Seafood Industrial Park in the city's SouthEast neighborhood, according to a Jan. 5 news release.
"The Biden-Harris administration is committed to creating new opportunities for businesses and workers in communities across the country," Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said in the news release. "This EDA investment will provide for improvements that will make the Newport News Seafood Industrial Park more easily accessible, creating business opportunities and supporting food-based entrepreneurship in this historically underserved community."
The EDA grant is being matched by $200,000 in local funds, the release reported.
In addition to the grant's importance for Newport News and the Seafood Industrial Park, EDA's investment will make a big difference for all of Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in the news release.
"Virginia is one of the largest seafood producing states in the nation, a critical asset to our growing reputation as the most attractive place to locate and grow a business," Youngkin said in the release. "Virginians depend on our thriving seafood industry because it helps support our local economies. I'm pleased that this grant will enable the Newport News Seafood Industrial Park to make structural updates to their accommodations, enhancing the support it provides the seafood industry."
