The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding the County of Cape May, New Jersey a $3 million grant to help build a 20,000 square foot multi-tenant building.

The facility, which will be located within the Cape May County Airport, will help fulfill the needs of companies in the UAS industry.

“Building the new ‘tech village’ right at Cape May County Airport will not only immediately create good-paying jobs, the final training facility will empower entrepreneurs and businesses in the fast-growing field of unmanned aerial vehicles,” says New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez.

“I’m proud to see these federal dollars go toward Jersey jobs and advancing our state’s reputation as a hotbed of innovation.”

UAS businesses, which are a growing industry in the region, will be provided essential resources through this project, as each company in the facility will have 5,000 square-feet of space that includes offices and manufacturing areas.

Regional planning efforts led by the South Jersey Economic Development District made this project possible.

EDA funds the South Jersey Economic Development District to “bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.”

“This federal investment is welcome news in Cape May County, which has been at the forefront of UAS testing and development,” says U.S. Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02).

“From maritime and emergency response to applications in the energy and infrastructure inspection sectors, UAS operations in Cape May County continue to showcase a strong public-private partnership that benefits all parties.”

The project is expected to create 130 jobs and spur $1.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.