NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $100,000 to the Rutgers University Technical Assistance Program (RUTAP).

This grant will help fund the first year of Rutgers’ three-year University Center program, which is a collaboration between EDA and RUTAP to increase long-term regional competitiveness and economic diversification in New Jersey’s most distressed areas.

 “It is critical that we give businesses and communities struggling in this economic crisis the resources they need to create jobs and continue to grow,” Sen. Lautenberg said.  “These funds will help Rutgers continue its excellent work helping organizations and companies in New Jersey become more competitive and better equipped for a global economy.”

            “With 800,000 American jobs lost this year, job creation and competitiveness are perhaps more important than ever,” said Sen. Robert Menendez.  “I am pleased that this funding can help New Jersey communities where it can really make a difference in people’s lives.  Ensuring that businesses, organizations and individuals are up to date with new technologies helps them keep pace in a global economy.”

RUTAP provides technical assistance and research and development tools for non-profit groups and community based organizations to increase productivity, stimulate innovation and create sustainable jobs in economically distressed regions.  The program aims to provide access to specialized expertise and training in the use of the Internet and other new technologies for the expansion of economic growth.

Earlier this year, Sens. Lautenberg and Menendez announced another $100,000 grant from the EDA for economic development programs across New Jersey’s southern counties.

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