Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Make Critical Roadway Improvements Needed to Support Businesses in Jefferson County
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
August 28, 2017
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to Jefferson County, Illinois, to make critical roadway improvements needed to serve the local population and businesses. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create or save more than 200 jobs and generate $110 million in private investment.
“President Trump has been steadfast in his belief that our country’s infrastructure is in dire need of repair,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “Because of the hard work of regional leaders, this project will help refurbish the local infrastructure, improving access to two major highways for the 40,000 people of Jefferson County.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Greater Egypt Regional Planning Commission. EDA helps fund the Greater Egypt Regional Planning Commission to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
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.