Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.1 Million to Protect Businesses from Flooding in Disaster-Impacted Mitchell, South Dakota

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.1 million grant to the city of Mitchell, South Dakota, to make improvements to storm water management infrastructure. The EDA grant, to be matched with nearly $775,000 in local investment, is expected to create or retain about 25 jobs and spur $2.1 million in private investment.

“President Trump is committed to helping communities across the nation repair the infrastructure they need to support business development and growth,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This project will help the region around Mitchell greatly improve water management in the event of future natural disasters, allowing businesses to quickly recover and boost regional efforts to attract and retain employers.”

“EDA supports the South Dakota communities impacted by natural disasters as they recover and build back stronger,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “As a result of this project, businesses located within the East Central Drainage Basin will benefit from the installation of curbs, gutters, and storm sewer piping to convey surface water more efficiently, and updated sewers and watermains will ensure businesses remain open during flood events.”

“I’m pleased the Department of Commerce will provide funding to assist the city of Mitchell with improvements to their storm water management system,” said Senator John Thune. “This announcement is welcome news for a community that experienced significant flooding last year, and this infrastructure investment will facilitate Mitchell’s long-term recovery efforts to protect homes and small businesses.”

“I thank Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for recognizing the need to provide resources to the city of Mitchell so they can improve their water management,” said Senator Mike Rounds. “This project will allow businesses to update and upgrade sewer piping and water mains, to help prevent damage during flood events.”

“As a resident of this city, I know Mitchell is no stranger to flooding,” said Congressman Dusty Johnson. “These dollars will be wisely used to beef up much needed storm water management infrastructure to further support Mitchell’s economic growth. This will be welcomed news to the businesses and fellow residents in Mitchell.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by Planning & Development District III, which EDA funds 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.

This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-20) (PDF), which provided EDA with $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF) funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas affected by Hurricanes Florence, Michael, and Lane, Typhoons Yutu and Mangkhut, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and other major natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2018, and tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019, under the Robert T. Stafford Act. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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.