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U.S. Commerce Department Invests $30 Million to Support Flood Recovery Efforts and Create Iowa Jobs

April 9, 2010

IOWA CITY, Iowa - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced $30 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants in the State of Iowa to assist economic development efforts and help in the ongoing recovery after the 2008 flood. Locke made the announcement at the University of Iowa's P. Sue Beckwith, M.D., Boathouse. He was joined by Iowa Governor Chet Culver, Congressman Dave Loebsack and Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek.

"President Obama is committed to investing in our economy to spur sustainable, long-term growth," Locke said. "As the rebuilding efforts continue, these grants will help Iowa communities rebuild and come back better than ever."

The investments announced today include:

- $22 million to Iowa City to relocate the city's North Wastewater Treatment Facility out of the Iowa River floodplain.

- $3 million to Iowa City to support design and engineering work associated with the reconstruction of the Dubuque Street and the Park Road Bridge to ensure that major transportation and supply chain routes remain open during future flood events.

- 2.9 million to the city of Columbus Junction to relocate the city's water treatment facility out of the floodplain.

- $1.5 million the city of Dubuque construct a new multi-level parking facility with sustainable design concepts, including electrical outlets for hybrid vehicles to accommodate new development, including IBM's Global Technology Services, which is locating in Dubuque.

- $232,500 to the city of Shenandoah to rebuild a storm sewer system to ensure that businesses and industries can continue to grow and create employment opportunities.

Prior to today's announcement, the Commerce Department had invested $27 million to help with the recovery and rebuilding efforts after the 2008 flooding. The Commerce Department's efforts have been just one part of the total federal government commitment to helping Iowa recover after the 2008 flood:

- Overall, more than $1 billion in federal assistance has been obligated to the state of Iowa to assist in the recovery and rebuilding effort. Of that, more than $850 million went to rebuilding public infrastructure.

- More than 23,000 households have been approved for more than $120 million in housing assistance.

- More than 2,200 survivors have been approved for more than $6.5 million in disaster unemployment assistance.

- More than 8,500 households have been approved for more than $16 million in FEMA's "Other Needs Assistance" program.

- The Small Business Administration has approved more than $270 million in loans for homeowners and businesses.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.