Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.5 Million to Improve Wastewater Infrastructure for Business Growth and Resiliency in Wolcott, Indiana

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4.5 million grant to White County, Indiana, to construct a new wastewater treatment facility in the town of Wolcott. The EDA grant, to be matched with more than $2.8 million in local investment, is expected to create 195 jobs and spur $73 million in private investment.

“The Trump Administration is committed to updating critical and necessary infrastructure for the growth of American businesses,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This investment will benefit White County’s Mid-America Commerce Park to support existing employers and attract new businesses.”

“White County’s proximity to the Tippecanoe River makes the area vulnerable to flooding, affecting many businesses in the area,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “The improved wastewater treatment infrastructure will grow and diversify the local economy while boosting regional resilience after future natural disasters.”

“Upgrading our water infrastructure is a top priority, and Indiana is grateful to have the support of our federal partners in these investments,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “A new wastewater treatment facility is key to growth in White County and will help expand economic opportunities for Hoosiers.”

“White County will receive long-needed investment in a new wastewater treatment facility thanks to the Administration’s commitment to strengthen infrastructure,” said Senator Todd Young. “This $4.5 million grant will bring nearly 200 Hoosier jobs to White County and help support the local economy.”

“President Trump continues to show his commitment to improving our nation’s infrastructure. This announcement is big for Wolcott and the White County community,” said Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04). Wastewater infrastructure is a smart investment which will benefit existing businesses, attract economic development and create more 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.