Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.6 Million to Protect Businesses from Flooding in La Crosse, Wisconsin

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.6 million grant to the City of La Crosse to update critical water infrastructure and support business growth in the region. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create or retain 70 jobs, while generating $10 million in private investment.

“The Trump Administration recognizes the challenges American towns and cities are confronted by when facing the effects of natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “Due to hard work and planning in La Crosse, this project will help modernize the local water infrastructure to meet the needs of the community.”

“The Driftless region is the most beautiful place to live in America, but it comes with challenges – like the possibility of flooding and severe storms that can damage our homes, fields and businesses,” said Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03). “This grant will help make important improvements to La Crosse’s watershed storm water lift stations, and allow our businesses to grow and thrive here in western Wisconsin.”

This investment will fund the improvement and redevelopment of three storm water lift stations to protect local businesses from future flood events, help attract new industry to the area, and boost the overall economic activity of the region. The improved performance of the La Crosse North Watershed storm water lift stations will help maintain business continuity by protecting the flow of traffic and commerce throughout the city.

This project is funded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) (PDF), in which Congress appropriated to EDA $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF) funds for disaster relief and recovery as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, wildfires, and other calendar year 2017 natural disasters under the Stafford Act.

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.