Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $150,000 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Flagstaff, Arizona

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

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $150,000 grant to the Northern Arizona Rural Policy Institute at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Ariz., to produce infrastructure assessments that will help enhance the economic development plans of Arizona's Native American tribes.

"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 advance regional competitiveness by developing critical infrastructure assessments that will improve economic development planning and capacity building for local tribal communities."

"These detailed needs assessments will help provide information across the state of Arizona for Indian tribes and help us plan and implement economic development projects that will work to create new jobs," said Wilma Ennenga, Director of Grants and Contract Services at Northern Arizona University.

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.