Congressman Ruiz Celebrates Lithium Valley Being Among One of 22 Finalists for the EDA’s Distressed Area Recompete Grant
Imperial Valley, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), released the following statement after the Economic Development Agency (EDA) announced their finalists for the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program.
“Being one of 22 finalists out of 225 applications nationwide is a testament to the regional collaborative approach and hard work of everyone involved, and we are very motivated and committed to carrying this across the finish line,” said Dr. Ruiz. “I look forward to continuing to work with our Lithium Valley partners in developing transformative initiatives that will make the biggest difference for the community.”
Background on the Project:
Currently, Imperial County’s economy is dire, with 45% of its populace out of the workforce and an unemployment rate hovering at 20%. The Lithium Valley Recompete Project is not an option; it’s a necessity. The project is a pivotal response to Imperial’s economic plight, aiming to leverage its lithium reserves while addressing the urgent need for employment and economic stability. The comprehensive initiative outlined in the proposal integrates education, training, infrastructure development, and community support to successfully assist a region in responding to immediate shifting industry demands and ensure rapid job creation.
The Lithium Valley Recompete Project promises rapid linkages to quality jobs and the establishment of stable, long-term employment pathways that the residents of Imperial Valley desperately need. The Policy and Innovation Center (PIC) is spearheading this collaborative effort of Imperial Valley stakeholders, including San Diego State University Imperial Valley (SDSU), Imperial Valley College (IVC), the Imperial County Office of Education (ICOE) the Imperial County Workforce Development Board (ICWDB), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Gafcon and many others.
This collaborative group aims to tackle the region's substantial challenges through research and policy analysis supported by PIC’s partner agency the Brookings Institution, and by fostering partnerships that facilitate solutions across sectors and jurisdictions.
Background on the Grant:
The Recompete program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment is significantly lower than the national average, with the goal to close this gap through flexible, locally driven investments. Earning the title of Recompete Finalist is an endorsement of the community’s strategy to create and connect workers to good jobs in geographically diverse and persistently distressed communities across the country. Recompete Finalists are now eligible to apply for the final phase of the Recompete Program, which will award an average of $20 to $50 million in implementation funding.