Grant

February 2 - 8, 2024

EDA announced 6 investments from February 2-8, 2024, totaling $10,390,000, which is matched by $4,307,389 in local investments. These investments include the following:

(1) $10,250,000 in 4 Economic Adjustment Assistance-2023 Disaster Supplemental projects to help regions that are experiencing severe economic distress or other economic hardship resulting from Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022 and help create 2,525 jobs and leverage $255.9 million in private investments.

(2) $140,000 in 2 Partnership Planning projects to support the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy process.

  • $10,250,000 in four 2023 Disaster Supplemental projects, matched by $4,207,389 in local investments, as follows:
    • $2,500,000 to the Chennault International Airport Authority, Lake Charles/Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, to support expanding the airport’s fire suppression capacity to support business growth in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  The project work includes the construction of an underground pipe, installation of two firewater storage tanks, installation of two diesel engines, electric pumps, an emergency generator, construction of an approximately 3,200 SF pre-engineered building, and other appurtenances.  The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 1,200 jobs and leverage $5.9 million in private investment.
    • $750,000 to the Thrive New Orleans, New Orleans/Orleans Parish, Louisiana, to support expanding its Workforce and Entrepreneurial Development Program to help the green industry sector in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The program will establish the Thrive Works Green Initiative to include the following work elements: (1) Thrive Green Training Academy and Workforce Development Program; (2) Thrive Green Business Academy; and Thrive Works Green Networking Program.  Once implemented, the project will help minority owned green businesses lay the groundwork for long-term economic vitality, which will advance economic resiliency throughout the region.  The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 1,100 jobs and leverage $250 million in private investment.
    • $2,000,000 to the City of Trumann, Trumann/Poinsett County, Arkansas, to support with the construction of a new water treatment facility and ground water storage tank, to support current residents and businesses while providing capacity for future industrial growth in Poinsett County, Arkansas.  Once completed, the project will help the region create a more resilient community and assure continuity of businesses and residential operation, which will advance economic resiliency and strengthen the regional economy.
    • $5,000,000 to the Arkansas State University – Newport, Newport/Jackson County, Arkansas, to support constructing a new 24,000 square foot Nursing and Health Sciences workforce training center in Jackson County, Arkansas.  The center will consist of a 200-seat Auditorium, with medium and large classroom spaces, clinical labs, testing rooms, simulated operating suites for the surgical technology and other program, simulated patient rooms, and faculty offices.  Once completed, the project will support current and future business needs in the area, which will promote resiliency, mitigate the effects of natural disasters, and strengthen the regional economy. The grantee estimates that this investment will help create 225 jobs.
  • $140,000 in 2 Partnership Planning projects, matched by $100,000 in local investments, to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS).  The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.
    • $70,000 to Region 1 Joint Planning Commission, Rockford/Winnebago County, Illinois to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) for the region served by the Region 1 Planning Council, which comprises the counties of Boone, McHenry, and Winnebago in Illinois.  The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.
    • $70,000 to Southern Five Regional Planning District and Development Commission, Ullin/Pulaski County, Illinois, support the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) for the region served by the Southern Five Regional Planning District and Development Commission, which comprises the counties of Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union in Illinois.  The CEDS process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.