The City of Batesville has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to help construct roads, water, and sewer infrastructure at the city’s industrial park.
The EDA investment, announced in an EDA media release on Tuesday, will be matched with $526,275 in local funds and is expected to create 200 jobs and generate $30 million in private investment to support expansion and business development at the park, according to grantee estimates.
“You don’t need to look any farther than Batesville’s industrial park to know that this community is thriving,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The $2.1 million will support Batesville’s continued growth as leaders build the infrastructure at the industrial park, which will attract more industry and create even more jobs.”
“The Biden Administration is committed to ensuring that our communities are provided with the resources they need to diversify and grow their economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support Batesville as it transitions away from a coal-centric economy and creates quality, sustainable jobs.”
“EDA is pleased to support Batesville’s plans to expand its industrial park,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The improvements will support business growth and development, creating a strong, diverse regional economy.”
This project is funded under the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) initiative, through which EDA awards funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal. ACC projects support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.
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