Press Release

U.S. Economic Development Administration Invests $977,110 to Create Tribally Owned Business Headquarters in Browning

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
August 30, 2016

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced it will award a $977,110 grant to the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council in Browning, Mont., for the construction of a tribally owned business. This investment will support the tribe’s new broadband project.

“Ensuring that our communities have the modern infrastructure they need to grow and thrive is of critical importance to their competitiveness,” said Assistant Secretary Williams. “Access to broadband is a major factor for economic growth and the Obama administration has made expanding broadband access a top priority. This EDA investment will support the expansion of broadband access to businesses and community members in the Blackfeet tribe.”

The investment will build the administrative headquarters of a tribally owned business that will house staff and a retail space for the tribe’s new broadband service. The facility will enhance the tribe’s goals of leveraging the federal government’s $13.8 million ARRA Broadband investment made to a completed broadband project to expand Internet access across the region.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration
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. To learn more about EDA, visit www.eda.gov.