Press Release
U.S. EDA Invests to Support Joplin, Missouri Disaster Recovery Efforts
July 19, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $341,537 grant to the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council of Carl Junction, Mo., to support the appointment of both regional and local Disaster and Economic Recovery Coordinators who will work to advance economic recovery efforts in the tornado-impacted Joplin region.
"President Obama has committed every available resource to ensure that Joplin not only recovers from this spring's devastating tornados, but comes back stronger than ever," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "The new coordinator positions supported by this EDA grant will be instrumental in building strong public-private partnerships that will be critical to restoring the impacted areas."
"Ensuring Joplin continues to have the full resources of the federal government behind them is critical as they work to rebuild their business community and employment base," said U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill. "This funding is an example of the support system local business owners need as they continue advancing economic recovery efforts for the entire Joplin region."
"I'm grateful for the outpouring support from across Missouri and the country to help rebuild Joplin, and I applaud the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council of Carl Junction for their efforts in the aftermath of this disaster," said U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.). "I'm confident the Regional Disaster Economic Recovery Coordinator and the Local Disaster and Economic Recovery Coordinator will work with the business community to advance the economic recovery efforts in Joplin."
"The EDA grant to support the two Disaster and Economic Recovery Coordinators will help tie our organization in with other regional partners," said the Council's Community and Regional Planner Jason Ray. "Through our coordinating efforts we will be able to utilize, more fully, regional resources making for more comprehensive recovery efforts for Joplin and the regional economy."
On May 29, President Obama traveled to Joplin to tour the tornado damage and attend a memorial service for victims. During his visit, the President pledged a continued and coordinated response by the Federal government to help the region rebuild.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.