Press Release
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke Announces $1.9 Million Recovery Act Grant to Create Jobs, Boost Development in Little Rock, Arkansas
June 23, 2009
Contact: Bryan Borlik, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.9 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Little Rock, Ark., to help build a four-lane extension of Ninth Street. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region.
"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help put people back to work and boost private investment in the region by improving access to the Dassault-Falcon Jet facility and supporting additional business and job growth in Little Rock."
The Recovery Act was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is providing immediate relief for American families and jump-starting billions of dollars in new projects that are creating jobs, improving infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
"More than $1 billion in economic recovery funds have been allocated for Arkansas to date, and many of these dollars are putting Arkansans to work building roads, repairing schools, and providing health care, among other critical priorities. These latest funds will literally pave the way for economic expansion and job creation in Little Rock. Recovery dollars have been critical for our state, and I'm convinced that without the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, economic conditions across our nation would be much worse," U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln said.
U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor said, "The Obama Administration and Secretary Locke clearly have their eye on creating jobs and investing in Arkansas's infrastructure. I appreciate their strong commitment to strengthen our state's competitiveness, which was apparent when Secretary Locke made his first official trip to Little Rock in April to deliver nearly $6 million for economic development projects. Today, he is building on those efforts with an additional $1.9 million to spur industrial growth around Ninth Street. This investment, made possible by the economic recovery package, will pay off in dividends."
"Our manufacturing job base in Central Arkansas benefits when we invest in Arkansas infrastructure. This news is good for Arkansans, particularly those who work in the very important aviation industry," U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder said.
The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses. It focuses on creating jobs by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products.
EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.