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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Media Contact:
Office of Public Affairs, publicaffairs@doc.gov
Deputy Secretary Don Graves to Travel to Puerto Rico, Meet with Governor Pierluisi to Discuss President Biden’s Continued Commitment to the Island
WASHINGTON – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to Puerto Rico, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves is visiting the island from April 21-22. This visit is the latest in a series of high-level U.S. government officials travelling to the island, focusing on supporting Puerto Rico’s long-term recovery and resilience — an important priority for President Biden.
While there, Deputy Secretary Graves will meet with the Governor of Puerto Rico Pedro Pierluisi in addition to a wide range of local leaders and stakeholders to discuss how the federal government and Puerto Rico can work together to advance a shared economic development agenda in partnership with the people of Puerto Rico. The Biden-Harris Administration is providing unprecedented federal funds and technical assistance to the island presenting a unique opportunity to maximize impact and support long-term, sustainable growth and development.
During the trip, Deputy Secretary Graves will be joined by White House Director for Intergovernmental Affairs Julie Chavez Rodriguez and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo.
On April 22, the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will host a Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) Coalition Conversation consisting of a tour and roundtable with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) — a BBBRC Finalist. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is the marquee of EDA’s American Rescue Plan programs that aims to boost economic recovery from the pandemic and rebuild American communities, including those grappling with decades of disinvestment. EDA will ultimately award 20-30 regional coalitions between $25 and $100 million to implement 3-8 projects that support an industry sector.
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