Shelton Economic Development Corp. Receives Federal Grant

Press release from Rep. Himes' Office:

Nov. 5, 2021

Representatives Jim Himes (CT-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) announced that the Shelton Economic Development Corporation received $70,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. This grant will be used to create a framework and strategy to bring investment and jobs to the City of Shelton and the Naugatuck Valley Corridor Economic Development District.

“Bringing economic development to Southwest Connecticut is of the utmost importance,” said Congressman Himes. “Connecticut businesses are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant will support small businesses and help diversify and strengthen our local economy. I’m proud we were able to secure federal resources to boost Shelton’s economic growth. I remain committed to working alongside our community partners to foster economic growth in Fairfield County.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic upended lives and businesses and stalled economic opportunity across Connecticut,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “We are in a fight to jumpstart local development, protect struggling businesses from closing for good, and help working and middle-class families get back on their feet. The hardworking and dedicated people that keep Shelton businesses afloat need support from the federal government as they rebuild. As Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I am proud we secured this funding for Shelton businesses and workers to not only survive but also thrive and build a brighter future.”

“It is great news the U. S. Economic Development Administration has granted an additional $70,000 to the Naugatuck Valley Economic Development District,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “This funding will further support the mission of providing resources for the surrounding community and helping to grow the local economy. As Connecticut continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, these dollars will play a vital role in getting us back on track. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the delegation to bring more money back to our state”

"On behalf of the communities located within the Naugatuck Valley NV EDD we appreciate the support of the US EDA and our congressional delegation,” Sheila O'Malley, Chairperson of the NVC-EDD. “The CEDS Grant award will help strategize our regions’ priorities and in particular communities that are considered economically distressed. The US EDA has been our partner with the CEDS process for the past 25 years and for that we are extremely grateful."

Paul Grimmer, SEDC President, states, " This recent grant award will allow us to continue the momentum that has begun in fostering the economic vitality of our region. We applaud our congressional delegation in securing this funding and look forward to achieving our important goals.”

According to the Shelton Economic Development Corporation, the grant will be used to establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region. Click here to learn more about the Shelton Economic Development Corporation.

This press release was produced by Rep. Himes' Office. The views expressed here are the author's own.