Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests to Aid Communities Impacted by Natural Disasters in Missouri

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $2.1 million in the state of Missouri to make critical disaster relief improvements needed after 2017 flooding. The grants, to be matched with more than $41,000 in local investment, are expected to help generate $3.5 million in private investment.

“The Trump Administration is fulfilling its commitment to support communities impacted by natural disasters by making investments in Missouri that create safer, more resilient communities, and help the regional economies bounce back faster,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

“EDA is pleased to work with disaster impacted communities across the nation to support their locally-devised recovery and resiliency plans,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fleming. “These investment in Missouri will provide the critical infrastructure needed to keep businesses open in times of flooding and other natural disasters.”

“We have felt the effects of devastating flooding here in Missouri, and we know how important disaster relief is to the many citizens, communities, and businesses impacted,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This grant will help us continue the progress we’ve made in improving our recovery and relief efforts, strengthening our flood prevention infrastructure, and keeping our communities safe.”

The EDA investments announced today are:

• Mississippi County will receive $1.5 million to improve roads (county roads 301, 302, and 304) that were damaged by 2017 flooding events. The grant, to be matched with $27,000 in local funds, is expected to help create 10 jobs, retain 7 jobs, and spur $1 million in private investment.
• The city of Clarksville will receive $695,310 to complete an engineering analysis to design and implement a flood protection system to assist with recovery efforts due to flooding in 2017. The grant, to be matched with $14,190 in local funds, is expected to help generate $2.5 million in private investment.

“Clarksville was inundated once again this year by floodwaters,” said Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06). “A removable flood wall will greatly help the community defend themselves against regular flooding, protecting homes and businesses and increasing the economic viability of this historic town. I’m thrilled they have received this grant which gets them one step closer to securing the flood protection necessary to thrive. Thanks to the Trump Administration for seeing the need of this community and I commend Mayor Jo Anne Smiley, the City of Clarksville, Pike County and the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments for pursuing and receiving this important grant.”

This project is funded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) (PDF) (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.