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Press Release

U.S. EDA Investments Support Medical Sector, Tornado Recovery in Springfield, Massachusetts

September 14, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085


WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced $750,000 in grants in Springfield, Massachusetts to help create jobs in the medical sector and guide redevelopment efforts in the wake of the June 1, tornado event.

"Helping communities create jobs and mitigate the impact of natural disasters are top priorities of the Obama administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "These vital EDA grants will help to strengthen the Springfield regions medical sector to create new jobs and provide a plan for rebuilding following the June tornado."

The investments announced today include:

  • $500,000 to Caring Health Center, Inc., of Springfield to help procure and install medical and related support equipment for the community health center being built within the city's Central Business District. Completion of the facility will provide a platform for the delivery of health services by Caring Health Center, Inc., as well as Bay State Health, Behavioral Health Network, Mercy Hospital and a commercial pharmacy. The project is expected to create 150 jobs and generate up to $8 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
  • $250,000 to the Springfield Redevelopment Authority and the DevelopSpringfield Corporation of Springfield to help the region respond to the June 1, 2011 tornado event by developing a tornado rebuilding master plan and redevelopment strategy. The plan will help the region retain and resettle existing businesses and jobs, provide opportunities for new business and job development, and boost sustainable growth opportunities in the green economy sector.

On June 15, President Obama declared a major disaster in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes on June 1, 2011. The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Hampden and Worcester Counties.

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.