Janesville and Rock County, Wisconsin Receive $450,000 in Federal Funds to Help Diversify and Strengthen the Local Economy

Thursday, September 18, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Contact: John Atwood 202-482-4085

Janesville and Rock County, Wisconsin Receive $450,000 in Federal Funds to Help Diversify and Strengthen the Local Economy

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $450,000 investment to Rock County and Forward Janesville, Inc. of Janesville, Wis. The investment will help implement the Rock County 2020 Economic Development Plan, which will help diversify and strengthen the southern Wisconsin economy in the wake of recent plant closures.

“Communities that work together to create dynamic regional economies that foster innovation and competitiveness are the key to America’s continued success as the leader of the 21st century global economy,” said U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Benjamin Erulkar. “This EDA investment will help 0provide the critical staff needed to implement the Rock County 2020 Economic Development Plan.”

“The local leaders in Janesville and Rock County have put together a forward-looking economic development plan for the region, and this grant will go a long way in supporting these efforts,” said U.S. Representative Paul Ryan, a fifth-generation Janesville resident. “This has been a gut-wrenching summer for southern Wisconsin, and today’s announcement provides our community with much-needed support. I remain firmly optimistic that Janesville’s best days are ahead.”

EDA serves as a venture capital resource to meet the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. EDA’s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.

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