The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced nearly $13 million in grants to support the creation of jobs in Alabama, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

"The Obama administration is committed to helping main street businesses strengthen their global competitiveness," said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. "These EDA grants will help create jobs and support economic growth in these communities by developing strategies and projects that will diversify local economies and keep companies competitive."

Some of the grant recipients include $2.4 million to improve infrastructure at Woodland, Washington's Woodland Light Industrial Park; $1.7 million for a roadway permitting improved access to Franklin County, North Carolina's Triangle North Franklin Business Park; and $1.6 million to improve infrastructure for businesses locating in Winston County, Alabama's Winston County Industrial Park and North Industrial Park.