Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Upgrade Highway Infrastructure and Support Job Growth in Oklahoma

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Monday, September 28, 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 Durant, Oklahoma, to upgrade highway infrastructure to serve businesses in the region. According to grantee estimates, the project could create up to 200 jobs and generate $342 million in private investment.

“The Obama Administration is committed to improving our nation’s infrastructure, which is crucial for both economic growth and job creation,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA investment announced today will support critical infrastructure projects that help create jobs and economic opportunities in Oklahoma.”

EDA’s investment will help construct on and off ramps to and from the highway and the Old East Main Street. Recently, a major manufacturing company relocated its headquarters out of the area, and the city is currently looking to attract a global steel company to help these displaced workers. According to the grantee, upgrading this core infrastructure is crucial to this effort and will ultimately help this region be more competitive and support long-term development of the region’s economy.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The Economic Development Administration marks 50 years of public service, leading 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.