Press Release
U.S. EDA Invests in Sioux Falls Biomedical Sector
September 3, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced an $890,400 grant to Sanford Health of Sioux Falls, S.D., to acquire equipment for use in a new biomedical research facility being built in an abandoned industrial building.
"The Commerce Department and the Obama administration are working diligently to bring jobs and economic growth to local communities," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "The new Sanford Health biomedical research facility will bring new higher-skill, living-wage job opportunities to Sioux Falls."
"This important EDA funding will allow Sanford Health to purchase the needed equipment to meet the needs of our current and future researchers, and continue our mission of studying the biology and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and pediatric diseases," said David Link, Senior Executive Vice President for Sanford Health. "These vital pieces of equipment give us the ability to recruit new, similar businesses to the Sioux Falls area and provide them with access to resources they may have otherwise not been able to obtain."
The investment will support the reuse of a large industrial building formerly vacated by Hutchinson Technology, Inc. (HTI) in 2009. Sanford Health has purchased the building to convert it into a research center. The EDA investment will allow Sanford Health to purchase the animal laboratory equipment needed to support its biomedical and laboratory support activities.
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.