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U.S. Department of Commerce Invests More than $4 Million to Provide Access to Industrial Areas and Create Jobs in Indiana and Ohio

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Wednesday, September 30, 2015


WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding investments totaling more than $4 million to the city of Gary, Indiana, and to the Village of Pioneer, Ohio to upgrade roadways in order to connect the highways to industrial areas in both regions. According to the grantees, these projects combined will create more than 2,600 jobs, save 100 jobs, and generate $166 million in private investment.

“The EDA investments announced today will connect industry to crucial transportation channels allowing businesses to grow and create jobs for the Gary and Pioneer communities,” said Secretary Pritzker.

  • $3 million to the City of Gary, Indiana to design and construct new lanes along the Buffington Harbor Access road, which will provide direct access from the industrial area to the highway. According to the grantee, once completed, the improved access will greatly enhance the safety and efficiency for motorists and trucking operations and will greatly improve the access and interconnectivity between established industries, and the interstate highway system as well as enable future development. Gary is designated as a Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) community, and this project is phase 1 of an SC2 development plan for the city.
  • $1 million grant to the Village of Pioneer, Ohio to construct an industrial connector, creating two road segments that will result in more a more efficient and effective connection between the Villages industrial area and the highway. The construction will include storm water, curb and gutter, water and waste water improvements. This project will also open up significant property for industrial development, including enabling one employer to bring operations to the region from Canada.

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.