Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $655,000 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Whitehall, Montana

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

EDA Grant Expected to Create 200 Jobs and Generate $30 million in Private Investment

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $655,000 grant to the Jefferson Local Development Corporation of Whitehall, Mont., to help build the Sunlight Business Park. The project is expected to create 200 jobs and generate $30 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 create higher-skill, living-wage jobs by developing a commercial and industrial area that will support new business development."

"This new public infrastructure will help local businesses take root and grow to diversify our economy, which is very dependent on the natural resources industry," said Barbara Sunderland, President of the Jefferson Local Development Corporation. "The Sunlight Business Park will boost our local economy, creating high-paying jobs and help protect us from the price fluctuations of our current economic base."

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.