Press Release

U.S. EDA Invests $1 Million to Support Growth of Food and Manufacturing Industries in Leitchfield, Kentucky

July 28, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Leitchfield, Ky., to make critical water system improvements that will serve new and existing businesses in the region's food and manufacturing sectors. The project is expected to create 240 jobs and attract $13 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"The Obama administration is working with local communities across the country to promote job creation and business growth," Locke said. "This EDA grant will help create jobs and keep Leitchfield companies competitive by providing the vital infrastructure development needed to expand and attract new businesses in the food and manufacturing industries."

The EDA-funded project includes construction of a new floating raw water intake to replace an inadequate existing intake. The new infrastructure will support the region's food and dairy industry clusters - enabling the expansion of Bel Brands USA - and the region's manufacturing sector –helping to establish a new plastics manufacturing facility in Leitchfield.

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.