U.S. Department of Commerce invests $2 million in Stuttgart water infrastructure

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Improvements in Stuttgart to address job growth has strengthened, by way of a high dollar investment made by the United States Department of Commerce.

The United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the grant award to Stuttgart Industrial Development Corporation in Stuttgart to make water infrastructure improvements.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing the infrastructure to support economic growth in Arkansas and across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide the water and sewer services needed to support manufacturing business growth, spurring private investment and creating jobs for a stronger regional economy.”

Water and sewer services at Stuttgart Industrial Park will increase, thanks to the new grant.

It will be matched with $515,013 in local funds, projected to create 54 new jobs and make $79 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The U.S. Economic Development Administration supports locally led, place-based economic growth,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs, who performs the non-exclusive functions and tasks of the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “This project will provide needed infrastructure to expand the Stuttgart Industrial Park, attracting agriculture manufacturing businesses and creating jobs in the region.”

Through the regional planning actions of the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District who is at the helm of the effort, the project is the latest example of public and private organizations connecting to develop an economic plan of action roadmap.

Focused on further strengthening the regional economy, SEADD aims to support the two sides investment in private capital and creating jobs.

“For far too long, infrastructure investment in rural America has been ignored by the federal government. In Arkansas, we know better than most that focused investments in our farming communities can help ensure their economic success,” said Representative Eric Crawford (AR-1).

“Stuttgart is the Rice Capital of America, and I’m pleased that this investment will bolster the businesses that will power the continued growth of Arkansas’ largest industry, agriculture, well into the future.”