U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $5 Million to Support Biomedical, Biotechnology and Advanced Manufacturing Sectors in Athens County, Ohio

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $5 million grant to Athens County Port Authority, Athens, Ohio, to build a 60,000 square-foot facility to house biomedical, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing companies.

This grant will support the expansion of local companies currently located at the Ohio University Innovation Center. The EDA investment will be matched with $1.3 million in state funds and is expected to create 150 jobs and generate $5 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to supporting the critical biomedical, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing sectors,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in southeast Ohio’s Appalachian Region will support industries that are critical to U.S. global competitiveness.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the Athens County Port Authority as they seek to diversify the region’s economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide modern, ready-to-occupy space for manufacturing and distribution operations that will help locally-grown businesses create more jobs.”

Read full press release.