The U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, has announced a $1.9 million grant to Tahlequah, Oklahoma by the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for infrastructure enhancements. The aim of these improvements is to drive business expansion and create jobs in the city’s business district.
The grant is designated for the construction of new parking and support facilities, including a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The EDA investment will be matched with $468,600 in local funds. Grantee estimates suggest this initiative may contribute to the creation of 200 jobs and generate $2 million in private investment.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is about ensuring all communities in Oklahoma and across the country have the resources and support to build resilient and sustainable economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. She added that this investment will give Tahlequah the necessary parking and transportation infrastructure to expand its business district and stimulate job creation, thereby boosting the local economy.
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo, said “The Economic Development Administration supports locally led, place-based economic development designed to boost local economies. This project will provide critical infrastructure to support business growth and a robust, diversified local economy.”
The investment was made possible by planning efforts led by the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD). EODD brings together public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap aimed at strengthening the regional economy, supporting private capital investment, and creating jobs.
The project is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019, providing EDA with $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas impacted by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019.
