Press Release
Workers in Pulaski, Illinois Get Support from U.S. EDA Investment
June 25, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $520,000 grant to the Village of Pulaski, Pulaski County, and the Southern Illinois Stimulus Corporation, Inc., Illinois to make roadway and sanitary sewer improvements to improve the SISCO Regional Industrial Park. The project is expected to create or retain 199 jobs and generate $2 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
"SISCO will provide the region with the industrial land capacity they need to capitalize on their rich agriculture sector," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA grant will make the infrastructure improvements needed to attract firms involved in bio and alternative-fuel, and agricultural product processing to create new higher-skill, living-wage jobs."
"This project will help to diversify the project area economy away from farming to include higher-wage manufacturing and processing employment opportunities," said Dean Rogan, Sr., Mayor of the Village of Pulaski.
This EDA investment funds roadway and other improvements along Mile Road eastward from State Route 51, the installation of a sanitary lift station and the installation of a sanitary sewer force main to serve and improve approximately 38 acres at the SISCO Regional Industrial Park, with seven acres to be occupied by Masters Choice Hybrid Seeds and the remainder by other industrial and commercial employers.
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.