Press Release

Puckett, Mississippi's Auto Manufacturing Plant Receives EDA Investment

September 3, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $340,000 grant to the Town of Puckett, Miss., to make sewer and waste collection system improvements to serve the local business community. The project is expected to save 65 jobs, create 25 jobs and generate $5 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"This grant will help create jobs and keep Puckett companies competitive by providing the critical infrastructure improvements needed to serve the local community," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "These critical infrastructure improvements will help existing industries expand their operations and will work to attract new businesses and jobs to the region."

"The Town of Puckett is very excited to receive this grant. As a result of this funding, the Town will be in the position to provide infrastructure improvements which will allow R-Squared, the largest employer in our community, to remain in our Town and expand their operations," said Russell Espiritu, Mayor of Puckett. "In so doing, 25 new manufacturing jobs will be created and available to area residents."

This project constructs sewer system improvements to serve the largest employer in the Town of Puckett, R-Squared Puckett, Inc., an automotive parts manufacturing plant.

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.