The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration awarded a $1.6 million grant to Spindale, N.C., for upgrades to its water and sewer system for expansion of a local truckload carrier company.
The EDA grant is expected to help attract other businesses such as a travel plaza to the region. The grant “will be matched with $388,809 in local funds,” according to a July 18 news release. It is estimated 35 jobs will be created or retained and $5 million in private investment will be generated.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda provides communities – including those impacted by a decline in the coal economy – with the resources they need to grow and diversify their economies,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release. “This EDA investment will help create opportunities for residents to get good-paying jobs in the trucking industry and other in-demand sectors, like hospitality.”
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo said the EDA was “pleased to partner” with Spindale, the release reported.
“This EDA grant will address local business and workforce by helping to diversify the local economy for the future,” Castillo said in the release.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said the grant will "enhance water and wastewater infrastructure and bring good-paying jobs to the Spindale community for years to come,” according to the release.
“We’re glad to continue working with the Biden-Harris administration to help boost our economy and create more opportunities for all,” Cooper said in the release.
The project was funded under the Assistance to Coal Communities initiative, “through which EDA awards funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal,” according to the release.
“ACC projects support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development and re-employment opportunities,” the release said.
