Oklahoma

During FY 2012, EDA awarded 13 grants totaling $8.95 million throughout the State of Oklahoma.  These investments encourage the growth of advanced manufacturing and transportation in the state and support the growing oil and gas, aeronautics, medical device, and high technology industry clusters.  These grants will help both urban and rural communities achieve their bottom- up economic development initiatives.  EDA’s investments in the State of Oklahoma are expected to result in the creation or retention of 623 jobs according to grantee estimates. 

Investment Spotlight: EDA Investment Leverages Transportation Assets

Blackwell, Oklahoma, is located in the middle of the United States near primary shipping corridors, immediately adjacent to Interstate 35 with direct access to Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas, Wichita and Kansas City.  In addition to over-the-road service, BNSF and Union Pacific rail via local short-line rail service provided by the Blackwell Northern Gateway Railroad connects Blackwell to domestic and international markets including those available through the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, one of the nation’s most in-land waterway system ports.

Despite these unique transportation advantages, Blackwell has, in recent years, seen a decline in its industrial base, its population, and its economic outlook.  To assist getting this economy back on track, EDA awarded $750,000to the Blackwell Industrial Authority and the City of Blackwell in May 2012 to help construct a trans-load facility in the Blackwell Industrial Park. Grantees expect that this project will create or save about 80 jobs.  Additionally, this investment will help position Blackwell as an even more ideal location for a warehouse/distribution or time-sensitive manufacturing business.