Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $150,000 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in the Buckhannon West Virginia Region

December 28, 2009
Contact: Lindsey Pangretic, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $150,000 grant to the Region VII Planning and Development Council of Buckhannon, W.Va., to develop and implement a flood disaster management plan.

"Economic recovery and growth are top priorities for the Obama Administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "This EDA grant will implement an economic development planning program that will help to advance regional competitiveness and create jobs by developing a plan that will work to limit the economic impact of future natural disasters."

"Currently, there is very little flood hazard mitigation planning performed from an economic development perspective for the region," said Rosemary Wagner, Executive Director, Region VII Planning and Development Council. "This EDA funding will support the Planning and Development Council's efforts to conduct this planning which has much bearing on local economies, contributes a strong economic development voice to the planning process and will ensure that EDA's future disaster relief investments have project managers to provide solid leadership to implement important economic disaster recovery projects."

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster economic growth and job creation. 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 global 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.