Jump to main content.

THIS IS AN ARCHIVED SITE

This site contains information that has been considered archived and will no longer be updated. Please click here to go to the CURRENT eda.gov website.

A bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce
Newsroom

Newsroom

Press Release

U.S. EDA Supports Madison-Milwaukee Corridor Cyber-Security Research Industry

September 7, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $741,847 grant to the Wisconsin Security Research Consortium and University Research Park, Inc., to build and equip a Sensitive Compartmentalized Information Facility (SCIF) to serve companies and researchers involved in classified cyber security matters. The project is expected to create 325 jobs and generate $8 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"The Obama administration is working to help Wisconsin diversify its economic base and get people working again following the devastating floods of 2008," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA investment advances plans to develop a cyber-security industry cluster in the Madison-Milwaukee Corridor to boost higher-skill, living-wage job opportunities."

"The EDA investment is crucial for conducting the classified research that will place Wisconsin at the forefront of security-related innovation," said Jack Heinemann, Director of the Wisconsin Security Research Consortium. "Wisconsin has significant security-related research and development talent and capability. The lack of qualified facilities within Wisconsin is a major impediment to regional entrepreneurs and commissioning a SCIF facility is an important next step in Wisconsin's strategy to realize its potential."

The SCIF will provide a stable environment for qualified companies and researchers who have the appropriate government clearance to compete for classified cyber security research and development funds available through the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies. This project builds upon an in-place economic development strategy launched in 2005 to expand Wisconsin's participation in security-related research and development.

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.