Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million to Make Critical Railroad Infrastructure Improvements in Mississippi
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
February 16, 2017
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the city of Newton, Mississippi, to help expand rail access to the Newton Industrial Park. According to grantee estimates, the project will create 125 new jobs and spur $85 million in private investment.
“The Economic Development Administration is committed to ensuring that our communities and regions have the critical infrastructure they need to support businesses and jobs,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs Tom Guevara. “This EDA investment will extend rail service to the Newton Industrial Park to allow local companies to expand operations and create new jobs.”
EDA’s investment will extend an existing rail spur to provide local companies in the Newtown Industrial Park with their shipping and receiving needs. The upgrade will also allow the existing industrial roads to accommodate increased heavy truck traffic.
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.