U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.6 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements to Support Manufacturing Growth in Harbor Beach, Michigan

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.6 million grant to the city of Harbor Beach, Michigan, for water infrastructure improvements to boost manufacturing growth in the region.

This grant will construct a higher capacity watermain to serve the regional water system and large industrial users in a region affected by the declining use of coal. This EDA investment will be matched with $4.1 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain 285 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

"The Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America Agenda is about providing communities with the unique resources and opportunities necessary to thrive in today's economy, including those impacted by the coal economy,"said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo."This EDA investment will fortify the manufacturing sector in Harbor Beach, Michigan while spurring private investment that will bring high quality good-paying jobs to the region for decades to come."

"The U.S. Economic Development Administration is proud to partner with local communities as they pursue place-based economic development strategies," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. "This project will address a critical infrastructure need in Harbor Beach that will enable the city to build economic resilience for the region."

"Today's investment by the Biden-Harris administration in Harbor Beach will fix critical water infrastructure, boost Michigan manufacturing, and support 285 good-paying local jobs," saidGovernor Gretchen Whitmer. "Since I took office, we have used our effective, comprehensive economic development toolkit to win huge battery and electric vehicle projects, secure 40,000 auto jobs, and grow regions of our state too often left out or left behind. I am grateful to our partners in the administration and our congressional delegation for sending us the resources to keep growing our economy and bring advanced manufacturing back home to Michigan."

"This funding will spur economic growth for the Harbor Beach community well into the future and help maintain its position as a manufacturing hub in the region," said Representative Lisa McClain (MI-9). "I look forward to the city capitalizing on this investment, and I am grateful for the EDA's cooperation and commitment to advance Michigan's 9th District."

This project is funded through EDA's Public Works (PW)and Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA)programs, as well as under the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) initiative, through which EDA awards funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal. ACC projects support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.