Press Release
U.S. EDA Invests in Lexington, Nebraska to Help Accommodate New Industrial and Job Growth
September 28, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $760,000 grant to the city of Lexington, Neb., to provide key infrastructure to support development of the 62-acre Southeast Business Park.
"The Obama administration is committed to job growth and business development, and this grant will fund vital infrastructure needed in the Lexington community," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "The Southeast Business Park will be anchored by a local manufacturer, which has committed to expanding its operations into the park."
"The City of Lexington is pleased to be able to work with the Economic Development Administration in furthering economic success in the Midwest. Our current opportunity to support and encourage business investment is a product of countless hours of local cooperation and effort. EDA support of this project will enhance our local efforts and provide the added incentive to bring the project to fruition," said Joe Pepplitsch, Lexington City Manager.
Orthman Manufacturing, Inc., a farm implement manufacturer, will invest $4 million to expand operations into the Park and is expected to create 100 new jobs. Orthman will occupy approximately twenty-eight acres of the business park, with thirty-two acres available for future development. This investment adds to the presence of farm implement manufacturing activity in the region, including the potential for increased exports to markets in Australia, South Africa, France, Hungary and Russia.
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.