Photo courtesy of Travelmediapressroom.com/Rory Doyle
Over a million dollars of CARES Act funding will benefit a city in the Mississippi Delta.
Announced by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, a $1.2 million grant awarded to Cleveland will fund the construction of critical water infrastructure needed to accommodate the expansion of a major healthcare manufacturing company and support future business needs. This EDA grant, to be matched with $300,000 in local funds, is expected to create 40 jobs and generate $15 million in private investment.
“President Biden is committed to unleashing the full power of the federal government to ensure our nation not only recovers from this pandemic but builds back better,” Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo said. “This EDA investment in the city of Cleveland will boost the production of essential medical supplies and spur new business growth to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.”
Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, explained that the project will support construction of a new 1,000 gallon-per minute water supply well and the rehabilitation of another, allowing for business expansion and job growth in the region.
“These funds will go a long way in supporting President Biden’s efforts to build back better, and I’m happy to be 100% in support of improving our communities,” Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), said.
“Stronger water infrastructure is critical to supporting the businesses that drive our economy and create jobs,” Senator Roger Wicker said. “This funding will provide resources to upgrade water infrastructure to match its growing needs.”
“This influx of CARES Act funding will have long-term benefits for Cleveland and Bolivar County as improved infrastructure supports new jobs and economic activity,” Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said. “I am pleased that more than a year later, the CARES Act resources continue to benefit Mississippi’s economic development as we recover from the pandemic.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the South Delta Planning and Development District (SDPDD), which EDA funds. SDPDD brings together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
