Press Release

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $4 Million Grant to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

August 6, 2009
Contact: Bryan Borlik, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $4 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Mercy Medical Center of Cedar Rapids, Iowa to help build an energy efficient, natural gas, steam heating plant that will bring permanent heating capacity to the hospital following flood damage inflicted on the region's energy infrastructure in 2008.

"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our Nation's competitiveness," said Locke. "This EDA investment in Mercy Medical Center turns the challenges presented by a natural disaster into an opportunity to revitalize the regional economy and put Americans to work."

The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses that works to grow local economies by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products and services. Locke is a member of President Barack Obama's economic team.

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.