The U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, today announced a $1.7 million grant to the Central Louisiana Regional Port in Alexandria, Louisiana. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), will facilitate necessary infrastructure improvements at the port as part of an effort to enhance disaster resiliency and efficiency.
The EDA investment is set to be matched with $2.7 million in local funds, and is projected to either create or retain over 80 jobs. The grant is also expected to generate $600,000 in private investment, according to grantee estimates. The grant aims to expand the port’s capabilities through infrastructure and transportation improvements.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said the Department of Commerce under President Biden’s leadership aims to ensure communities have the necessary resources to build strong, resilient regional economies, even in the wake of natural disasters. The investment will provide the Central Louisiana Regional Port with the needed resources to create modern, sustainable infrastructure, supporting local businesses and triggering long-term economic growth in the region.
The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Y. Castillo, echoed Raimondo’s sentiments stating the EDA works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth. The EDA investment will result in critical port infrastructure improvement, leading to job creation and a stronger, more resilient regional economy.
The grant funding comes from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023. This act provided the EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas impacted by major disasters as declared under the Robert T. Stafford Act, due to events such as Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters in 2021 and 2022.
