WASHINGTON – U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a
$3 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Dorchester County Council, the city of Cambridge, the Cambridge Municipal Utilities Commission, and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, Cambridge, Md., to help build water and sewer extensions and a storm water management facility to serve the Dorchester County Technology Park.  The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region. 

“The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation’s economic competitiveness,”
Locke said. “This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment in Maryland’s mid-shore region by improving a technology park that is capitalizing on the region’s emerging technology industry clusters.”

“Job creation and economic development rely on clean, safe water and reliable
infrastructure,”

U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Chairman of the Water and Wildlife Environment and Public Works Subcommittee, said
. “This Recovery Act grant will make a real difference in the very heart of the Chesapeake, helping to attract private investment and innovative industry to Cambridge and all of Dorchester
County.”

 “The Recovery Act is about jobs, jobs, jobs,”
U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, said. “This federal investment means critical improvements to the water and sewer infrastructure in Dorchester County that will lead to jobs while also taking the burden off local taxpayers. It will create and sustain construction jobs in the short term while spurring economic growth and innovation on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in the long run.”

 “These projects will create jobs in Dorchester County while helping our
efforts to protect the local environment,”
U.S. Rep. Frank Kratovil said. “This is a great example of a critical infrastructure investment that wouldn’t be possible without the aid of federal stimulus dollars. I’m pleased to see the ARRA creating jobs and funding local infrastructure here on the Eastern Shore.”

The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.

The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: 

http://www.eda.gov


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