Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests to Provide Critical Stormwater Detention Infrastructure in West Plains, Missouri

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.8 million grant to the city of West Plains, Missouri, to make critical infrastructure improvements needed to establish storm water detention basins that will protect the local business community from flooding. The grant, to be matched with $725,000 in state investment, is expected to attract $4 million in private investment and create or retain 225 jobs.

“The Trump Administration has prioritized rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure and improving the country’s economic resilience in the wake of natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This investment will provide West Plains with the critical infrastructure they need to combat flash flooding and protect local and small businesses in the event of future storms.”

“We have felt the impacts of devastating floods in Missouri, and we know how important a reliable infrastructure is to flood prevention and a thriving business community,” said Governor Parson. “This EDA grant for the city of West Plains is a great example of federal, state, and local partners working together to reinforce flood prevention efforts and keep our communities safe.”

“A storm water detention basin will play a vital role in protecting local businesses and the community from costly and dangerous flooding,” said Senator Blunt. “I appreciate Secretary Ross and the Commerce Department’s support for this critical infrastructure investment, which will benefit jobs and the local economy.”

“This is tremendous news for West Plains,” said Senator Hawley. “This investment in critical infrastructure is an investment in the community and all of the families that call it home. From small businesses to schools to hospitals and more, protection from natural disasters can spur economic development and make a difference for an entire region. I am grateful for the Trump administration’s support for West Plains and the state of Missouri.”

“Infrastructure investments like these make clear to employers that our community is open for business—leading to more jobs, higher wages, and better opportunities for Southern Missouri families,” said Congressman Jason Smith. “After the flood in the spring of 2017, we began to work alongside local leaders to find solutions that would ensure future flooding did not cripple this community. This grant, along with local funds, will assist in helping protect our area from future floods so that businesses can stay open and folks can get to work and their families in a safe manner. I thank President Trump, and his administration, for their continued support of rural America and our local communities.”

This project will fund the construction of the Burton Branch, South Fork of Howell Creek, and Galloway Creek storm water detention basins. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the South Central Ozark Council of governments. EDA funds the South Central Ozark Council of Governments to help bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) (PDF) (PDF), in which Congress appropriated to EDA $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF) funds for disaster relief and recovery as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, wildfires, and other calendar year 2017 natural disasters under the Stafford Act.

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.