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A bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce
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Press Release

U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $6.4 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Wheeling, West Virginia

September 22, 2009
Contact: Bryan Borlik, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $6.4 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Ohio County Development Authority in Wheeling, W.Va., to make water system improvements to serve commercial development at The Highlands development site. 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. "This grant will help create new jobs and boost private investment by making the critical water infrastructure improvements needed to attract new business and industrial development to the Ohio County region."

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.

"This funding is a desperately-needed investment in clean water systems that puts construction contractors and their employees back to work and helps to improve the quality of life for those in the impacted areas as well as providing for new economic development opportunities as a result of this investment of ARRA funds," U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd said.

"Wheeling - like so many areas across West Virginia - has felt the challenges of troubling economic times this year, and this development funding comes at just the right time," U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller said. "These needed funds for water system improvements will help create new jobs, retain old jobs and help revitalize the local economy, and I will continue fighting to see this happen across our state."

"This is terrific news for Ohio County," U.S. Rep. Alan B. Mollohan said. "This grant will create jobs in the short term and also help lay the groundwork for continued job growth in the years to come." Mollohan chairs the appropriations subcommittee that funds the Commerce Department.

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.