Press Release

Lawrenceville, Illinois Small Business Community to Advance as Result of Commerce Department Investment

June 21, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.776 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Lawrenceville, Ill., to help build a 143-acre, city-owned small business park. The project is expected to create 196 jobs and generate $4.725 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy," Locke said. "This EDA grant will provide the critical infrastructure needed to build a business park that will cater to job-creating small businesses."

This investment will fund the installation of approximately 9,118 feet of 10-inch sanitary sewer main, 4,364 feet of 10-inch water main, and 4,364 feet of 30-foot wide concrete roadway with curbs, storm sewer, and lighting.

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.