Date: October 20, 2004
LaTourette says more than $1 million in federal economic development
funds is targeted for industrial parks in Conneaut, Ashtabula and Orwell
Assistant Secretary for Economic Development will travel from Washington to Jefferson Friday to make formal announcement about infrastructure improvements and job creation with LaTourette
LaTourette said a formal announcement will be made Friday morning in Jefferson at an event featuring David A. Sampson, Assistant Secretary for Economic Development at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Sampson, a top Commerce official, will travel from Washington for this announcement and will also attend a second event later in the day in Trumbull County. Local officials and the Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County will be part of the event with Sampson.
LaTourette said the three local projects are included in a bill that reauthorizes the Economic Development Administration, or EDA. The EDA works with states and local governments to generate new jobs, retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically distressed areas by providing a source of funding for planning, infrastructure development, and business financing.
LaTourette said the EDA bill, S. 1134, was approved by the Senate on October 6 by unanimous consent (no recorded vote was necessary), and the House approved it by a vote of 388-31 on October 7. The measure was presented to President Bush for signature on October 15, and the President has already indicated he will sign it into law.
"This infusion of federal dollars will allow these communities to build or improve vital infrastructure at industrial parks that could ultimately provide more than 3,000 local industrial jobs and up to 5,000 retail and commercial jobs on top of that," LaTourette said. "This is really exciting news for the county."
LaTourette said the high cost of infrastructure improvements, such as sewers, water and roads, is often an impediment to starting or expanding businesses.
"The EDA is committed to funding projects that will create and sustain jobs and help improve an area’s overall economic picture," LaTourette said. "I was glad to work with the communities and Growth Parternship and I’m thrilled that these projects are given priority in the bill."
LaTourette said the following projects are given priority in the EDA bill:
Development of Eastside Industrial Park in Conneaut. Federal funds will be used to pay for infrastructure improvements (water, sewer, roads, etc.) at the 284-acre park. The industrial park is being developed by the City of Conneaut with Growth Partnership and could ultimately lead to the creation of nearly 1,700 industrial jobs and another 5,000 retail and commercial jobs, LaTourette said.
Development of Ashtabula City Industrial Park. The 42-acre industrial park is being developed by Ashtabula Port Authority and Growth Partnership. Infrastructure costs are $1.3 million and the federal economic development funding will let the project move forward. About 300 jobs are expected to be created over the next eight years, LaTourette said.
Upgrade of Orwell Industrial Park in Orwell Village. Kraftmaid Cabinetry is expanding at this location and 100 new jobs should be added by the end of next year, bringing the total to 1,000. Infrastructure improvements are needed, including a new water loop system, a new sewer lift station and intersection improvements at the park’s entrance. LaTourette said EDA funding will allow the improvements to go forward.
LaTourette said he and Sampson will be joined with local officials and the Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Ashtabula Joint Vocational School in Jefferson to discuss the projects in greater detail. LaTourette said specific funding levels and other details will be provided at that time.