Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests Nearly $2.75 Million to Upgrade Critical Infrastructure to Support Business Growth and Tourism in Mississippi

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Tuesday, September 9, 2014

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding nearly $2.75 million to build critical infrastructure in the cities of Houston and Cleveland, Mississippi. According to grantee estimates, these investments will directly benefit the manufacturing and tourism sectors and create 187 jobs, save an existing 1,100 jobs, and generate $14 million in private investment in the region.

“The Obama Administration and the Commerce Department are committed to improving our nation’s infrastructure, which is crucial for both economic growth and job creation,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA investments announced today will support critical infrastructure improvements that serve the travel and tourism industry and an industrial park for manufacturing businesses in Mississippi.”

The investments announced today include:

• A $1.47 million EDA grant will enable the city of Houston to construct water infrastructure to serve Houston's industrial park. The improvements are vital to retaining the existing manufacturing base and building a strong foundation for future economic development in the city and the region. According to the grantee, this investment will retain 1,128 existing jobs in the area.
  
  
• A $1.25 million EDA grant will enable the city of Cleveland to build an access road and upgrade infrastructure on the Delta State University campus, providing access to a museum on campus. According to grantee estimates, this project will create 187 jobs and generate more than $14 million in private investment.
  
  

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
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.