Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Increase Industrial Capacity in Oklahoma
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Friday, April 17, 2015
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the City of Muskogee, Oklahoma. The funding will support the upgrade of critical infrastructure to expand an existing industrial park. According to the grantee, the project will help to sustain 238 jobs as well as create new job opportunities, and generate $400,000 in private investment.
“The Obama Administration is committed to investing in our nation’s infrastructure, which is crucial for both job creation and economic growth,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA investment announced today will help the City of Muskogee expand capacity of its industrial park, helping create jobs and generate private investment for its citizens.”
“The key to long-term, sustainable economic growth starts with investing in local infrastructure,” said Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “I applaud the City of Muskogee for putting forward a plan that partners with the local private sector to create an environment that will attract new opportunities for the community. With this EDA grant, the City of Muskogee will be able to accomplish necessary updates to its essential roads as well as its wastewater system.”
EDA’s investment will support construction of critical roads and improve the existing wastewater system that serves the Muskogee Industrial Park. This project is part of the City’s long-term economic development plan in response to recent job losses in the manufacturing, retail, and agricultural sectors. The city's master plan has designated this area as the primary location for economic and industrial development, and upgrades to the existing infrastructure will enable business and industry to grow. According to the grantee, five companies have agreed to create or retain jobs and invest in the community as a result of the project, including Central Mortar and Grout, Glover Construction, American Foundry, Direct Traffic Control, and Frix Construction.
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.