Press Release

Commerce Grant to Create Business Plan to Accelerate Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Washington and Idaho

March 10, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $53,099 grant to the Port of Clarkston of Clarkston, Wash., to conduct a marketing study to analyze opportunities to expand commercial activity and diversify the local economy in the interstate region between the states of Washington and Idaho.

"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 a marketing and business plan to construct an industrial park, which will foster new businesses and accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in Washington and Idaho."

"This project is an essential first step in designing a new industrial park," said Wanda Keefer, Port Manager, Port of Clarkston. "It is important to design infrastructure, not in a vacuum, but in a way that is assured to meet the needs of the marketplace."

The Economic Development Administration marks 45 years of public service, leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.

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.