Press Release

U.S. EDA Invests Supports Wood and Forestry Manufacturing Sector in Kickapoo Valley, Wisconsin

September 16, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $25,000 grant to the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission of La Crosse, Wis., to develop a study and analysis to guide growth of the Kickapoo Valley's wood and forestry manufacturing sector.

"The Obama administration is committed to helping our nation's regions capitalize on their unique strengths," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA grant will help the Kickapoo Valley area address primary economic needs to help stimulate entrepreneurial start-ups and expansion of existing wood and forestry manufacturing businesses."

"The forest and wood products manufacturing sector have great growth potential in the Kickapoo Valley area. This project could help stimulate private and public investment in the sector over the next five-year period, resulting in 100 additional wood products jobs," said Greg Flogstad, Director, Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission.

The study will encompass the wood and forestry economic sectors in Crawford, Monroe and Vernon Counties, with emphasis on use of wood products as an alternate fuel source.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):

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.