Press Release
U.S. EDA Invests to Enhance Capacity for Growth in Downtown Great Falls, Montana
June 29, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $25,647 grant to the city of Great Falls, Mont., to help create a Downtown Master Plan to guide economic development efforts.
"The Obama administration is committed to providing communities with the resources they need to foster job creation and business growth," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "With this EDA grant, Great Falls will formulate a Downtown Master Plan that will not only lay out the strategies and objectives for improving upon what exists in the downtown area, but move forward with implementing those steps that will lead to economic prosperity for the region at large."
"Downtown is a vital component of the City of Great Falls, and has historically served the community as a center of commerce, culture, and community events. The Downtown Master Plan will develop strategies to bring people and activity back to downtown Great Falls," said Brant Birkeland, Downtown Master Plan Project Manager.
The objective of this study is to identify and recommend ways to manage and grow downtown efficiently through considering additional amenities, events, and exploring potential for public-private partnerships that lead to re-development in the downtown area, thereby, increasing the economic stability and quality of life in the city, county, and region as a whole.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:
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.