Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $150,000 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Fairmont, West Virginia

October 30, 2009
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $150,000 grant to the Region VI Planning and Development Council of Fairmount, W. Va., to develop a comprehensive, long-term post-disaster regional strategy for communities impacted by severe flooding in 2008.

"Economic recovery and growth are top priorities for the Obama Administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "This EDA grant will develop an economic development strategy that will advance regional competitiveness by working to spur innovation and entrepreneurship, create higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, and promote industry clusters in the wake of severe flood events."

"This important EDA funding will allow the Region VI Planning & Development Council to continue to plan and implement economic development projects that are providing a better standard of living for the region's citizens," said James L. Hall, Executive Director, Region VI Planning and Development Council.

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster economic growth and job creation. 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 global economy.

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