Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the town of Ashley, Indiana, to extend water and sewer access for a major plastics recycling company and to provide opportunities for further industrial and commercial development. The EDA grant, to be matched with $812,000 in local funds, is expected to create 97 jobs and generate $275 million in private investment.
“The Trump Administration is committed to supporting local efforts to create new business opportunities through infrastructure improvements,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This updated utility infrastructure will allow Ashley to expand its manufacturing base and attract new commercial and industrial ventures.”
“Ashley’s utility infrastructure project is essential to bringing a new plastics recycling company and other businesses to the region,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “Additionally, the increased water and sewer capacity will better serve the existing business community.”
“The U.S. Department of Commerce investing $1.2 Million in Ashley, Indiana, is welcome news,” said Senator Todd Young. “This grant will improve infrastructure throughout the critical water and sewer system in DeKalb County, and create jobs and opportunities for Hoosiers.”
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.