Press Release
U.S. Commerce Department Invests in Wind Energy in Hutchinson, Kansas
March 14, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
U.S. EDA helps foster growth of clean energy cluster around Salt City Business Park, home to Siemens Energy
WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.3 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Hutchinson, Kan., to construct Phase III of the Salt City Business Park, home to Siemens Energy's nacelle manufacturing facility. The completed project is expected to generate at least $140 million in private investment and 260 new jobs according to grantee estimates, allowing for the development of a cluster of equipment manufacturers and suppliers serving the wind energy industry.
"Strengthening our nation's clean technology and manufacturing sectors are critical to our ability to create jobs and remain competitive," Locke said. "This grant will support high-skill, living-wage jobs and economic growth in Hutchinson by capitalizing on the region's competitive strengths in alternative energy."
This EDA investment will assist with the acquisition of land and the continued construction of a railroad spur, water and sewer lines, and streets that will enable the expansion of the Salt City Business Park. As the home of Siemens Energy, Hutchinson provides strong potential for the growth of the wind energy industry in the region with the location of companies that will provide a local supply chain for Siemens.
In 2009, EDA invested $1.7 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to the city of Hutchinson for the initial phases of the Salt City Business Park, where last year Siemens Energy celebrated the production of its first nacelle, a component of a wind turbine that houses the gearbox, drive train and control electronics.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.