Press Release

U.S. Commerce Department Infrastructure Investment Promotes Economic Competitiveness and Job Creation in Crossett, Arkansas

September 2, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

EDA Grant Helps Bring Manufacturing Jobs to the U.S.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank today announced a $1 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the City of Crossett, Ark., and the Crossett Economic Development Foundation for industrial infrastructure and railway improvements in the Crossett Industrial Park. The project is expected to create and save 136 jobs and spur more than $8 million in private-sector investment.

"The Commerce Department and the Obama administration are working diligently to bring jobs and economic growth to local communities," Blank said. "This EDA grant will make vital infrastructure improvements that will foster business development and job growth in the region by advancing Crossett's global competitiveness."

This EDA-funded investment will allow the industrial park to accommodate the new U.S.-based manufacturing facility of AREZ International, a foreign manufacturer and producer of resin. The company uses state-of-the-art technology and is bringing green jobs to the U.S. from China.

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.