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U.S. EDA Investment to Help DeSoto County Explore Ways to Capitalize on its Location Along the I-69 International Trade Corridor

August 4, 2010
Contact: Lindsey Pangretic, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $150,000 grant to the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors of Hernando, Miss., to develop a strategic plan to facilitate development along the I-69/269 International Trade Corridor.

"Connecting regional economies with the global marketplace is essential to strengthening our nation's competitiveness," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "This EDA grant will help DeSoto attract new private investment and create jobs by taking advantage of its location along the vital I-69 international trade corridor."

"This study is specifically designed to take advantage of the international trade corridor within the County boundaries by utilizing the existing assets and creating the atmosphere and infrastructure to generate market-based results for the next one hundred years," said Tommy Lewis, President of DeSoto County's Board of Supervisors.

The DeSoto County portion of the I-69 corridor extends approximately thirty (30) miles from Highway 61 on the west to the DeSoto-Marshall County line on the east. This investment aims to position DeSoto County as an international center for manufacturing, research and development, in the sectors of automobiles, organic and electronic fuel sources.

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.