Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $27,895 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

December 28, 2009
Contact: Lindsey Pangretic, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $27,895 grant to the city of Sioux Falls and the South Eastern Council of Governments of Sioux Falls, S.D., to develop a plan to improve Bahnson Avenue and increase access to a local development park. The project is expected to create more than 1,750 new jobs and generate 106 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"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 help Sioux Falls boost private investment and create new higher-skill, living-wage jobs by opening 175 acres in the Sioux Empire Development Park 8 to serve new businesses and industry."

"This strategic plan will result in the availability of additional economic development land for new businesses that will provide higher-skilled, higher-wage job opportunities for our citizens and will bring in a significant amount of private sector investment into the region," said Mayor Dave Munson, City of Sioux Falls.

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.