Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $820,550 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Fort Yates, North Dakota

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

EDA Grant Expected to Create 61 Jobs and Generate $15 million in Private Investment

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced an $820,550 grant to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of Fort Yates, N.D., to build telecommunications infrastructure to serve local tribal businesses. The project is expected to create 61 jobs and generate $15 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 accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship and advance regional competitiveness by providing wireless communications service that will help connect local businesses to regional, national, and worldwide markets."

"The total land area of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reservation is 2.3 million acres, which is currently not served by wireless communications," said Ron His Horse is Thunder, Chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. "This project will provide an opportunity to strengthen the Tribe's economy through business development, while also building the infrastructure that provides critical communication services to entrepreneurs and businesses."

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.