Press Release

Commerce Department Invests More Than $5 Million in Wisconsin Manufacturing Sector

September 9, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $5.4 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Wauwatosa, Wis., and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Real Estate Foundation, Inc. to build a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified business accelerator and industrial park site to accommodate the region's advanced manufacturing sector.

"Helping communities like Wauwatosa rebuild and mitigate the impact of natural disasters is a top priority of the Obama administration," Locke said. "This grant will support economic development in southeastern Wisconsin by helping to revitalize an advanced manufacturing sector that was impacted by torrential rains and flooding in 2008."

This project will include the construction of a 25,000-square-foot, LEED-silver certified business accelerator, new roadway infrastructure and the extension of utilities. The investment will help advanced manufacturing businesses by giving them access to state-of-the-art laboratories and faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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.