Press Release

Commerce Department Grant will Support Oklahoma Native American Career Development

June 25, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc., of Durant, Okla., to build a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified facility to house the Career Development Center for Native Americans.

"President Obama believes that an educated workforce is critical to the success of a region's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This EDA grant will establish an energy-efficient facility that will provide Native Americans with the training they need to start new businesses and compete for higher-skill, living-wage job opportunities."

The 10,000 square foot LEED-certified building will be located within an existing industrial tract and will be built on a 30-acre parcel owned by Rural Enterprise of Oklahoma, Inc. The building will be leased to Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

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.