Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2 Million to Support Industrial Expansion in Lake Odessa, Michigan

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Monday, July 2, 2012

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $2.1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Lakewood Wastewater Authority of Lake Odessa, Michigan, to expand the capacity of the authority's wastewater treatment facilities. The improved capacity will facilitate expansion of the region's growing food processing industry cluster. The project will help retain 700 jobs, create an additional 160 new jobs, and leverage $92 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"Building America's infrastructure to support business growth and job creation is a priority for the Obama administration," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Matt Erskine. "This EDA investment will help expand the capacity of the region's strong agricultural and food processing cluster, supporting the creation of high-skill, well-paying jobs in Ionia and Barry counties and throughout western Michigan."

The EDA investment helps fund a capacity expansion project at Lakewood Wastewater Authority's water treatment plant. This includes upgrades to the pumping, processing, and electrical systems that will allow the plant to better handle industrial flows of wastewater.

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.