BRISTOL – Roger Williams University will receive a $1 million grant from the federal government to expand its Center for Environmental and Economic Development, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced yesterday.

In a statement, Locke said the grant “will help Rhode Island rebound from a decline in shellfish production by helping Roger Williams University promote the restoration of Narragansett Bay and the aquaculture sector.”

The university estimates the Economic Development Administration grant, which is aimed at aiding distressed communities, will create 250 jobs.

Roger Williams created the Center for Economic and Environmental Development in 1997 “to encourage innovative methods for environmental education and stewardship by involving students, faculty and the local community in outreach efforts, strategic environmental management and entrepreneurship for a sustainable environment,” according to its Web site.

Additional information is available at RWU.edu.