Press Release
U.S. EDA Invests to Create Statewide Economic Development Strategy for Oklahoma
June 29, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $180,000 grant to the Oklahoma Association of Regional Councils of Oklahoma City, Okla., to create a statewide economic development strategy that incorporates best practices to improve the economies of the most underdeveloped and economically distressed areas of the State.
"Economic recovery and growth are top priorities for the Obama Administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA grant will provide planning assistance to Oklahoma Economic Development Districts to create a state-wide, across regional boundary approach to enhancing industry clusters and improving job opportunities in the state's poorest counties as well as the entire state."
"The project will allow the regional councils and economic development districts to coordinate their activities and support the growth of innovation clusters across boundaries," said Cheryl Taylor, Executive Director, Oklahoma Association of Regional Councils. "They will work with OARC to engage the private sector, local governments and educational facilities to ensure that Oklahoma keeps economic development and growth its highest priority."
Incorporated in January, 1992, the mission of OARC is to advance regional issues and to advocate for regionalism and the Council of Governments (COGs) to the public and private sector.
OARC's state-wide approach transcends regional boundaries while incorporating best practices that bundle resources from local, state, federal and private entities. Regional collaboration and across border activities is essential in ensuring the long term success of OARC's economic strategy.
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.