U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.1 Million to Support Agricultural Production and Processing in Southwestern Washington | U.S. Economic Development Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.1 Million to Support ... Economic Development Administration
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U.S. Department of Commerce Awards $3.1 Million Grant to Port of Chehalis
The U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, has announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will provide a $3.1 million grant to the Port of Chehalis in Chehalis, Washington. The grant aims to enhance agricultural production and processing in southwestern Washington.
Boosting Agricultural Infrastructure
The grant will be used to construct a grain storage and rail transload facility at the port. This investment from the EDA will be matched with $1.8 million in state and local funds. The project is expected to create or retain over 50 jobs and generate $3.4 million in private investment, according to estimates from the grantee.
Supporting Local Businesses and Economic Growth
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated, “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is providing communities like Lewis County with the resources they need to grow local businesses and create new jobs. This EDA investment will provide new infrastructure to support specialty grain growers moving their products to national and global markets – helping boost economic growth throughout the region.”
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo added, “The Economic Development Administration is pleased to provide targeted, place-based grants designed to support local business growth. This project will provide new opportunities for growth in the agricultural sector, creating a stronger regional economy in southwestern Washington.”
Congressional Support for Economic Development
Senator Patty Murray expressed her support, stating, “This grant is a big deal for the Port of Chehalis and Lewis County—not only is it going to support our agriculture industry and local businesses, but it will also help create dozens of good-paying jobs in the area. Congressional Democrats are working hand-in-hand with President Biden to build an economy that works for the middle-class and make sure communities like Chehalis have the resources they need to succeed.”
Senator Maria Cantwell also emphasized the importance of the grant, saying, “These federal resources are an investment and vote of confidence in the future of Lewis County. The new grain storage and loading facility at the Port of Chehalis will support 50 local jobs, develop Southwest Washington’s grain industry, and help more farmers grow barley by increasing access to new and existing markets around the country and the world.”
Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) highlighted the significance of investing in local farmers and producers, stating, “In a time where we are importing almost 40% of our fresh fruit and vegetables, it is crucial that we are investing in infrastructure to support local farmers and producers. I am grateful to the community leaders who alerted our office to this project and am glad to play a small part in bringing this investment to Chehalis. This is an important step in building a federal government that is responsive to local needs.”
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA)
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, leads the federal economic development agenda. Its mission is to promote competitiveness and prepare the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA invests in communities, supports regional collaboration, creates jobs for U.S. workers, promotes American innovation, and accelerates long-term sustainable economic growth.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
- Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
- Indicator: Number of jobs created or retained.
- Indicator: Amount of private investment generated.
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
- Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
- Indicator: Investment in infrastructure projects.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- Indicator: Increase in agricultural production and processing.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth |
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| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure |
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| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production |
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Analysis
The article discusses the Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarding a grant to the Port of Chehalis in Washington to bolster agricultural production and processing. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
This SDG is addressed as the grant aims to support economic growth and job creation in the agricultural sector. The targets under this SDG that can be identified are Target 8.2 and Target 8.3. Target 8.2 focuses on achieving higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation. Target 8.3 promotes development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
This SDG is connected to the issues discussed as the grant aims to develop infrastructure at the Port of Chehalis. The targets under this SDG that can be identified are Target 9.1 and Target 9.2. Target 9.1 focuses on developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. Target 9.2 promotes inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
This SDG is connected to the issues discussed as the grant aims to support agricultural production and processing. The target under this SDG that can be identified is Target 12.2, which aims to achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The number of jobs created or retained and the amount of private investment generated are indicators mentioned in the article under SDG 8. Additionally, investment in infrastructure projects is mentioned as an indicator under SDG 9. Finally, an increase in agricultural production and processing is mentioned as an indicator under SDG 12.
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Source: eda.gov
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