Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Make Critical Roadway Infrastructure Improvements to Protect Pike County, Missouri Businesses from Future Floods

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to Pike County, Missouri, to make critical roadway and detour route infrastructure improvements needed to ensure commerce continues during severe weather events. The EDA grant, to be matched with $376,393 in local investment, is expected to retain nearly 40 jobs.

“The Trump Administration is working hard to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure and improve economic resilience in the wake of Missouri’s historic flooding in 2019,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This investment in Pike County will strengthen the region’s roadways to allow local businesses to continue to operate during extreme weather events.”

“EDA is pleased to support Pike County’s strategy to update its roadway and emergency detour infrastructure,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This project will increase northeastern Missouri’s economic resilience by making sure local businesses stay open in the face of future natural disasters.”

“We have felt the devastating impacts of flooding here in Missouri, and we know how important a reliable infrastructure is to our business community,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This grant will help protect businesses in the Pike County region from any future natural disasters, strengthening our economy and overall preparedness for severe weather.”

“This grant funding will help Pike County mitigate the negative impact flooding and severe weather can have on families and businesses in the area,” said Senator Roy Blunt. “Missouri’s transportation network is one our greatest economic advantages. I appreciate the department’s support for this project and their continued focus on improving the strength and safety of our nation’s infrastructure.”

“The investment in Pike County will rebuild and restore critical roadway infrastructure to protect families and local businesses from severe weather conditions,” said Senator Josh Hawley. “These resources are vital for Missourians, and I am grateful for the administration’s diligent work to ensure our communities are prepared to weather intense flooding in the future.”

“In Louisiana, Missouri, and throughout Pike County, folks have dealt with repeated flooding and the impacts it has when critical roads get shut down,” said Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “This grant ensures people can still go about their lives when the next flood hits, so that farmers can still get grain to the elevator, businesses can continue operating and workers can safely get to their jobs. I’m thankful that the Trump Administration continues to recognize the challenges our rural communities face. Congratulations to the City of Louisiana, Pike County and the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments on securing this critical funding.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments, 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.