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U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4 Million to Support Electric Vehicle Manufacturing in Detroit, Michigan

September 27, 2021
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4 million grant to the city of Detroit, Michigan, to reconstruct deteriorating roads in support of an automobile manufacturing plant that will begin producing all-electrical vehicles. This EDA project, to be matched with $6.7 million in local funds, is expected to create 810 jobs, retain 300 jobs, and generate $45 million in private investment.

“The Biden Administration supports efforts to boost electric vehicle production to create good-paying jobs and enable a clean transportation future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Detroit is critical to handle the increased truck traffic that will result from a major automaker’s move to retool its facility to produce all-electrical trucks and SUVs.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Detroit as they make important infrastructure upgrades that will yield more high-skilled manufacturing jobs and move us toward our clean energy goals,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The roadway improvements will support the existing automotive manufacturing facility, facilitate future business growth, and build upon a legacy of EDA investments that support automotive manufacturing reinvestment in Detroit, including creation of a revitalization strategy of the nearby Mt. Elliott Industrial Corridor and the Georgia Street industrial road expansion project.”

“With this critical investment from our federal partners at the Department of Commerce, we are continuing to fix the damn roads and build the future of mobility right here in Michigan,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am proud of this collaboration that will expand on our ongoing statewide economic development efforts as we usher in a new era of prosperity for our families, communities, and small businesses.”

“This important investment will support GM’s Factory ZERO, where our talented Michigan autoworkers will be making all-electric SUVs and trucks,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow. “This revitalization project will not only create new jobs, it will also further Michigan’s continued leadership in electric vehicle manufacturing.”

“The future of mobility is electric, and I’m excited that Detroit workers are going to continue building the vehicles of the future,” said Senator Gary Peters. “This grant will not only create jobs and bring in economic investment into Detroit – but will also expand manufacturing and transportation opportunity. I’ll continue working to ensure Michigan remains a global hub for mobility, logistics and innovation.”

“I am thrilled that this $4 million EDA grant is coming to Detroit,” said Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14). “Our infrastructure is in need of repair, and this investment to fix our roads goes a long way to support electric vehicle manufacturing and create jobs. As the Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ll continue to champion investments like this that will help our communities build back better.”

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.