Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.1 million grant to the Okmulgee Area Development Corporation, Okmulgee, Oklahoma, for road, utility and drainage infrastructure needed to complete the Okmulgee Business Complex.
This project will help redevelop a brownfield site to attract manufacturing businesses and create jobs for the region. This EDA investment will be matched by $635,430 in local funds and is expected to create 175 jobs and generate $50 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“President Biden is committed to supporting communities as they build a better America,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will facilitate the expansion of the region’s manufacturing sector to create new economic opportunity and jobs for local citizens.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the Okmulgee Area Development Corporation as they seek to diversify the region’s economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will bring new job opportunities and private investment that will help build resiliency to future economic disruptions for decades to come.”
“It is great to see such an impactful investment in Okmulgee, OK from the local community and EDA,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “The development investment will have positive rippling effects on the economy, job growth and infrastructure for the city and surrounding area.”
“This is great news for the city of Okmulgee,” said Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02). “I have long advocated for the revitalization of brownfield sites and look forward to the positive economic impact this project will bring to Oklahoma. I’m glad to see the Economic Development Administration shares this view and sees the value of investing in the Sooner state.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD). EDA funds EODD 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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.