Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.2 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support the Food Processing and Manufacturing Sectors in Southwest Wisconsin

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.2 million grant to the village of Muscoda, Wisconsin, to expand the Muscoda Industrial Park. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will create jobs by provide development opportunities for food processing and manufacturing businesses looking to relocate or expand in the region. The EDA investment will be matched with $555,455 in local funds and is expected to create 100 jobs and generate $35 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan offers direct relief to American communities as they work to build a better America for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide critical infrastructure needed to support expansion of the food processing and manufacturing industries, creating a stronger, more robust regional economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration is dedicated to working with communities to support their locally-driven strategies to recover and rebuild from the pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will help position southwest Wisconsin for success well into the future.”

“Our small and local businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and our economy. I’m proud that, in addition to supporting manufacturers and food processors with both state and federal resources, Wisconsin ranks best in the country among states in allocating our federal relief funds toward economic development and support for businesses,” said Governor Tony Evers. “This $2.2 million grant will be a gamechanger for Muscoda and their local economy by creating jobs, developing opportunities for local businesses to expand, and attracting new workers and businesses to support the greater region.”

“I voted for the American Rescue Plan because it delivers support for our small businesses, boosts our Made in Wisconsin economy, and helps move our state forward,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “This federal investment from the Biden administration will provide the infrastructure investments needed to expand the Muscoda Industrial Park, helping current companies expand operation, attracting new businesses to Grant and Iowa counties, and continuing the long and proud tradition of Made in Wisconsin manufacturing.”

“I’m thrilled to see $2.2 million in American Rescue Plan funding on its way to Muscoda. I voted for this critical legislation last year in order to provide relief and fuel our economic recovery, and I'm glad to see it continuing to deliver for our communities,” said Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03). “This EDA investment will go a long way towards creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating new opportunities for Wisconsinites.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.

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.