Press Release

Business Leaders in East Grand Forks, Minnesota Get Support from U.S. EDA to Expand Commercial Development

June 18, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

East Grand Forks Working to Diversify Economy to Create New Jobs

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced $425,000 grant to the city of East Grand Forks, Minnesota to help expand the city's business park. The project is expected to create 200 jobs and generate $5 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"This EDA grant will increase the availability of shovel ready industrial land to support additional business development in East Grand Forks," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "New business development will diversify the regional economy and create new jobs."

"Historically, agriculture has been the region's primary economic driver along with the military base," said City of East Grand Forks Mayor Lynn Stauss. "Our regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy addresses the need for industry diversification. This EDA investment aligns with that strategy by allowing us to provide land ready for businesses to develop."

This industrial park expansion project involves the installation of roadway with curb and gutter and extending water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer, to serve approximately 18- acres of the city-owned business park.

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.