Press Release
U.S. Economic Development Administration and U.S Appalachian Regional Commission Announce $1.2 Million in Investments to Support Manufacturing Growth in Chickamauga, Georgia
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
June 21, 2018
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the U.S. Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) are awarding $1.2 million in grants ($720,135/EDA, $462,544/ARC) to the city of Chickamauga, Georgia, to make critical water improvements needed to protect the local business community from fire and other threats. The improved infrastructure will serve a major flooring manufacturing company and will encourage business expansions and recruitment to the region. According to grantee estimates, the project will help protect 1,000 jobs and $100 million in private investment.
“We commend the city of Chickamauga and local leaders for their focus on helping to protect and grow their local manufacturing base,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs Dennis Alvord. “The vital infrastructure improvements will help protect businesses from the menace posed by fire and make the region more attractive to future business development.”
“Without efficient and upgraded infrastructure, industry can neither grow nor expand.” Said Tim Thomas, Federal Co Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission. “In addition to benefiting Chickamauga’s businesses and local economy, this infrastructure improvement will make the entire floor covering industry stronger.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Northwest Georgia Regional Development Center. EDA funds Northwest Georgia Regional Development Center to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.
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.