Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $100,000 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Council Bluffs, Iowa Region

May 28, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $100,000 grant to the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors of Council Bluffs, Iowa to help develop a feasibility study for the Gateway Portal in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. The study will potentially lead to the creation of a port authority and the development of a project area for a local commercial and industrial site.

"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 develop a feasibility study that will advance regional competitiveness by working to spur innovation and entrepreneurship, create higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, and promote industry clusters."

"This important EDA funding will allow the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors to assess the feasibility of establishing an inland port authority in the county, which could potentially facilitate creation of hundreds of high-quality jobs in our region," said Jake Hansen, Community and Economic Development Manager, Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of 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.