Press Release

Manufacturing Jobs in Newton, Kansas Receive Boost from Commerce Department Investment

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

Hutchinson, Kan. - U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez today announced a $2.4 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Newton, Kan., to make roadway improvements that will serve the Kansas Logistics Park. The project is expected to create 405 new jobs and generate an estimated $65 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"Strengthening the U.S. manufacturing industry is critical to our nation's economic competitiveness," Fernandez said. "This EDA grant will help bring alternative energy manufacturing jobs to the city of Newton, helping to grow the local economy."

Tindall Corporation has already committed its manufacturing facility to Kansas Logistics Park and is expected to be the first of many wind energy businesses located at the site.

Fernandez announced the Newton grant during an alternative energy roundtable discussion with regional economic development leaders in Hutchinson. In 2009, EDA invested $1.78 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds in the city of Hutchinson to build a rail spur to serve alternative-energy related businesses at the Salt City 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.