U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.2 Million for Roadway Infrastructure Improvements Needed to Support the Agriculture Sector in Grand Forks, North Dakota

WASHINGTON- Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.2 million grant to the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota, for roadway infrastructure improvements to support the agriculture industry.

This grant will accommodate the expansion of a soybean processing facility and allow for new industrial development in the area. This EDA investment will be matched with $798,342 in local funds and is expected to create 15 jobs and generate $46 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing all communities with the resources they need to strengthen their local infrastructure," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "This EDA investment will bolster North Dakota's soybean processing industry, paving the way for additional private investments that will create jobs and build regional resilience for the future."

"EDA is proud to partner with Grand Forks as it strengthens its regional economy," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. "This project will bring much-needed road infrastructure upgrades that will help Grand Forks leverage its strong agriculture assets to create economic prosperity, jobs and economic resilience."

"North Dakota is an agriculture powerhouse, and our commodities rely on infrastructure networks to get our products to market," said Senator Kevin Cramer. "This project adds value to the Grand Forks community, helping to improve the movement and processing of soybeans in the region, while boosting economic growth."

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Red River Regional Council (RRRC). EDA funds RRRC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA's Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.