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U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.6 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Newberry, Michigan

August 17, 2009
Contact: Bryan Borlik, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.6 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Luce County of Newberry, Mich., for the expansion of the Luce County Industrial Park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.

"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "The Recovery Act has worked to stabilize economic conditions and help those harmed by the economic crisis. This grant will create jobs by expanding the industrial park to accommodate new and existing industry and utilizing a newly created rail spur that is essential to revitalizing the local economy."

"This grant will help remove a major roadblock to job creation in Luce County," U.S. Sen. Carl Levin said. "The county's industrial park has reached maximum capacity, and expanding the park will give the county a powerful new tool to recruit new businesses."

"I am pleased that Luce County received this recovery money to expand the Industrial Park and develop new rail spurs," U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow said. "This funding will help spark the local economy by putting people back to work."

"Investments by the Economic Development Administration in other Northern Michigan communities have paid dividends," U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak said. "I am pleased Secretary Locke and the Administration recognize the potential for economic growth at the Luce County Industrial Park and have made this substantial investment. I expect this $1.6 million grant will help create jobs and strengthen the local economy for years to come."

The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.

The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.

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.