Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.6 Million to Protect Businesses from Natural Disasters in Viroqua, Wisconsin

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.6 million grant to the city of Viroqua, Wisconsin, to update critical water infrastructure needed to protect local businesses from flooding. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create or retain 61 jobs and spur $8.4 million in private investment.

“The Trump Administration recognizes the challenges American communities face following natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “Due to the strategic planning efforts of leaders in Viroqua, this project will help the local business community remain strong through flooding and other natural disasters that impact the region.”

“I applaud the decision of the U.S. Department of Commerce to invest in the city of Viroqua with this grant,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “Protecting local businesses and communities from potentially dangerous flooding is a top priority, and I look forward to continuing to find ways to improve our infrastructure and create jobs across the state of Wisconsin.”

“Communities across western and central Wisconsin face flooding nearly every year, impacting the success of our small businesses and local economies,” said Congressman Ron Kind. “This grant from the Department of Commerce will help expand Viroqua’s industrial park and help provide necessary improvements to the aging water infrastructure in the community.”

This investment will help expand the 70-acre city of Viroqua industrial park by making necessary water infrastructure improvements needed to protect businesses from future flood events. The improved industrial site will help attract new industry to the area and boost the overall economy of the region. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission. EDA funds the Mississippi River 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.