Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.1 Million to Improve Freight Rail Connector Needed to Serve Businesses in Catoosa, Oklahoma, Port

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.1 million grant to the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma, to improve the critical freight rail infrastructure in the busy port city, which is prone to natural disasters. The EDA grant will be matched with $1.1 million in local investment and is expected to help retain 735 jobs.

“The Trump Administration is working hard to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure and improve economic resilience in the wake of natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “These investments in Catoosa will support essential railroad infrastructure that helps ensure the flow of goods and resources despite significant weather events.”

“EDA is pleased to support Catoosa’s strategy to increase regional resiliency and facilitate job creation,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Dr. John Fleming. “The railroad crossing repairs and interchange improvements will keep the Tulsa Port of Catoosa competitive and will expand the region’s ability to attract and retain vital industries.”

“This investment is a testament to the Tulsa Port of Catoosa’s role in making Oklahoma a true hub for commerce in our country,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “I thank Secretary Ross and the Trump Administration for partnering with us to create the best environment possible to support our current businesses and attract new ones to our state.”

“Hundreds of jobs at the Port of Catoosa and in the surrounding area rely on accessible rail infrastructure,” said Senator Jim Inhofe. “This grant, and the matching local funds, will make needed upgrades to a critical rail crossing necessary to maintaining our rail infrastructure at the port. These upgrades will ensure that goods and services can continue to use the port for years into the future to support regional economic growth—and I thank President Trump and Secretary Ross for recognizing that.”

“The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is an essential piece of our community and our economy,” said Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01). “This investment from EDA will be a boon to the Port and to the First District. President Trump and his Administration are working hard to rebuild our country’s infrastructure; these railway improvements are a key step in that direction, and I applaud this commitment from the Administration.”

This project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-20) (PDF), which provided EDA with $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas affected by Hurricanes Florence, Michael, and Lane, Typhoons Yutu and Mangkhut, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and other major natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2018, and tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019, under the Robert T. Stafford Act. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage.

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.