News Release

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration is awarding a $2.5 million grant to the City of La Porte, for water infrastructure improvements to support manufacturing business growth in the region on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

This grant will provide for critical infrastructure upgrades at the Thomas Rose Industrial Park, supporting business expansion and job creation. This EDA investment will be matched with $2.5 million in local funds and is expected to create 185 jobs, retain 230 jobs and generate $50 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is focused on providing all communities with the opportunities and resources they need to thrive in today’s economy, while preparing them for success in the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will address critical infrastructure needs in La Porte, Indiana, which are essential to ensuring businesses can grow and expand to keep good-paying jobs in the region and spur additional private investment.”

“The U.S. Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “This project will help strengthen and grow the manufacturing sector in Northwest Indiana by increasing the city’s stormwater infrastructure, building regional economic resilience for decades to come.”

“Thank you to Mayor Dermody and all of the leaders at the City of La Porte and the U.S. Department of Commerce for successfully taking this tangible action to invest in the long-term manufacturing strength of the Northwest Indiana economy,” said Representative Frank Mrvan (IN-1). “I look forward to continuing to work in a collaborative effort to build on this positive impact to create more good-paying job opportunities for everyone in our region.”