Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $894,960 in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to Support Economic Diversification Efforts in Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $894,960 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the Ho-Chunk Nation, Black River Falls, Wisconsin, to develop an economic diversification strategy plan that assesses assets, resources and potential opportunities to build economic resiliency. This EDA grant will be matched with $136,960 in local investment.

“President Biden is committed to partnering with Tribal Nations as they work to mitigate economic hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will spur Ho-Chunk Nation’s efforts to engage in new economic sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare and information technology, and emerge from the pandemic stronger, more resilient, and on the path to economic growth.”

“The Ho-Chunk Nation has been a great partner to our communities and our state throughout this pandemic,” said Governor Tony Evers. “These funds will help ensure they can continue to recover, diversify their economy, and keep building the sort of future they want for their kids, families, and the long-term success and resilience of the Ho-Chunk Nation.”

“We are thankful for this federal funding from the Biden Administration because it will support efforts to strengthen the economy going forward,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “This EDA investment for the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin shows that President Biden and Commerce Secretary Raimondo are committed to helping our Tribal communities recover and build back better.”

“The CARES Act provided essential relief during the COVID-19 crisis, and I’m glad to see it continuing to work to support communities struggling with the effects of the pandemic,” said Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03). “This CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce will help support the Ho-Chunk Nation in their efforts to build back stronger than ever and spur new economic growth.”

This project is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136 PDF), which provided EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) (PDF) program, provides a wide-range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.