Eco-Industrial Development Center Awarded $175,000 Grant

Compiled ByGlenn Hasek The U.S. Dept. of Commerce has awarded a $175,000 grant to help fund the National Center for Eco-Industrial Development. The grant was awarded under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Dept.'s Economic Development Administration and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The center will work to promote industrial ecology, establish eco-industrial parks, and expand use of environmentally benign manufacturing processes. It will be run cooperatively by the University of Southern California and Cornell University at those two locations. "Eco-industrial development can be used to turn brownfield sites and other underutilized areas into economic boons for surrounding communities," says Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Arthur C. Campbell. "The National Center for Eco-Industrial Development will help both urban and rural areas attract new industry and jobs while protecting the environment." D. James Baker, NOAA administrator, says eco-industrial development techniques replace more conventional industrial and community development approaches with models that incorporate industrial ecology, pollution prevention, and recycling.