U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.8 Million for Building Renovations to Support Clean Energy Workforce Development in Flushing, New York

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.8 million grant to the Educational and Cultural Trust Fund of the Electric City in Flushing, New York, for building renovations to support clean energy workforce development in the region.

This grant will support construction of an onshore and offshore wind safety training facility, providing classroom space, utility upgrades, and more. This EDA investment will be matched with $957,000 in local funds and is expected to create 490 jobs, retain 2,870 jobs, and generate $429 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 readying them for success in the future," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "This EDA investment will help create high quality, good paying jobs, expand workforce training opportunities in Flushing, and promote sustainable clean energy development."

"The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Christina Killingsworth. "This investment will support job creation and private investment in Flushing, making the local economy more resilient to future natural disasters while increasing American leadership in clean energy."

"Creating good-paying jobs and supporting sustainable infrastructure is a critical part of a stronger economy and a healthier community in Queens," said Representative Grace Meng (NY-6). "This federal funding invests in our community by building a workforce that can help address the growing impacts of climate change right at home. I thank Secretary Raimondo and the Biden-Harris Administration for their continued efforts in finding innovative ways to help communities like Queens address climate-related challenges, such as intensifying storms and flooding, and supporting a sustainable future for Flushing residents."

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Hudson Valley Regional Council (HRVC). EDA funds HRVC 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 Actas 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 webpagefor more information.