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U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $1.4 Million to Help Attract New Industry and Jobs to Heber Springs, Arkansas

May 6, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085


WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.4 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Heber Springs, Ark., to make critical water and wastewater system improvements needed to accommodate business expansion plans and attract new companies and jobs to the region. The project is expected to create 310 jobs and generate $16.5 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"Through our Economic Development Administration, we provide funding to local communities to enhance job creation, economic growth and competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will provide the critical infrastructure improvements needed to support the expansion of two major area manufacturers and attract new businesses and new jobs to the region."

In recent years, the region's industrial employment has experienced many setbacks due to business relocations, workforce reductions and facility closures. In addition, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding have impacted wastewater systems critical to business operations. EDA funding for water and wastewater improvements will immediately help area companies like Saint Jean Industries, an auto parts manufacturer and supplier, and TIGG Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of activated carbon filtration systems and equipment, expand their operations.

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.