U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.6 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to Support Local Food Manufacturing in Detroit

This grant will support the city’s historic Eastern Market by providing the infrastructure needed to develop and scale business and create good paying jobs. This project will provide the road, stormwater and utility infrastructure needed for the expansion of development-ready space for new food manufacturing and production facilities. This infrastructure investment will allow the Greater Eastern Market Food Innovation Zone for additional processing, warehousing, and distribution facilities. This EDA grant, to be matched with $639,488 in local funds, is expected to create 300 jobs and generate $47.5 million in private investment.

“President Biden seeks to harness the full power of the federal government to ensure our nation not only recovers from this pandemic but builds back stronger,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This investment in Detroit’s entrepreneurs and businesses will help drive economic activity into the historic Eastern Market and will get Michiganders back to work by creating new, good-paying jobs.

“The Economic Development Administration is committed to support an equitable recovery, where we don’t only reset but we build back better.” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project embodies those efforts by supporting the expansion of Detroit’s Greater Eastern Market Food Innovation Zone which will help the economy recover in the near term and resilient in the future.”

“In Michigan, we are laser-focused on growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and driving down costs for families, communities, and small businesses,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am grateful to our federal partners for investing in Detroit. With their support, entrepreneurs and businesses in the Eastern Market neighborhood will create 300 jobs and generate tens of millions in private investment as we usher in a new era of prosperity for Michigan.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the need to build a more resilient food system,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow. “This investment will support our Michigan food producers and bolster economic growth in the Eastern Market neighborhood.”

“The Eastern Market neighborhood of Detroit is one of the most iconic areas of the city. Federal support to welcome new business opportunities in Eastern Market will create jobs and jumpstart the local economy,” said Senator Gary Peters. “I’m pleased that the CARES Act is continuing to help Michigan workers and better ensure our state can continue building back better.”