Press Release
U.S. EDA Invests to Support Growth of Montana's Green Energy Sector
May 4, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $778,851 grant to Anaconda Deer Lodge County, Mont., to help grow the green energy sector and create new jobs by increasing capacity at the Mill Creek Industrial Complex. According to grantee estimates, the investment is expected to create 291 jobs with 750 additional jobs in related companies as the park fully develops.
"Supporting the development of high growth sectors like green energy is a major focus of the Obama administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA investment will provide critical water infrastructure needed to expand the capacity of the Mill Creek Industrial Complex to attract new businesses and jobs associated with the green economy and other industry sectors."
"The Mill Creek water line project will continue to develop a remediated Superfund area into a "greenfield" development designed to spur $5 billion in green energy development not only in Anaconda Deer Lodge County but throughout the state of Montana. The effort answers the calls by private sector investors and is encouraged by state and national officials whose goal is to promote resource development and jobs for the region in a shovel ready industrial area," stated Jim Davison, Executive Director, Anaconda Local Development Corporation.
Northwestern Energy Corporation is operating a $210 million plant in the Mill Creek Industrial Area to regulate electricity generated by a growing wind turbine industry in Montana. The EDA investment will help prepare the park to house related green energy-related industry and other commercial development
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.