Press Release

Commerce Department Partners with Luzerne County to Create High-Tech Jobs

August 31, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $2.26 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the Greater Wilkes-Barre Development Corporation of Luzerne County, Pa., to expand the Innovation Center at Wilkes-Barre.

"Accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship is essential in advancing regional competitiveness," Locke said. "This EDA grant will work to strengthen and diversify the region's economy and create jobs by expanding the availability of office space available to small and mid-size tech companies."

The EDA investment will build a new 3-story, 17,110 square foot multi-tenant technology building and auxiliary site improvements, implementing green construction products. The facility will consist of approximately 11 tenant units, conference rooms and a mail/copier room. The facility will be located in one of Pennsylvania's "HUB Zone" under-utilized business districts.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.