Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $235,032 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in East Central, Vermont

December 11, 2009

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $235,032 grant to the Two-Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission of Woodstock, Vt., to support a continuity of operations (COOP) planning effort for small and medium-sized businesses located within flood-prone areas of the region and to complete an update of the East Central Vermont Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

"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 work to improve the East Central Vermont regional economy and create jobs by implementing an economic development planning program that will help local businesses become more disaster-resistant and recover more rapidly from the effects of natural disasters."

"We are enthusiastic about this support from EDA to allow us to expand our municipal technical assistance capacities in order to serve the local business community in our region," said Peter G. Gregory, Executive Director for the Two-Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission.

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