Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) applauded last week’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) that a $1.25 million grant will be awarded to the Ardmore Development Authority, located in the Fourth District of Oklahoma.
The funding will go toward water infrastructure upgrades needed to support business growth at the Ardmore Industrial AirPark. The EDA grant, to be located near a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone, will be matched with nearly $2 million in local funds and is expected to help create 1,525 jobs.
“I am delighted to hear that the Ardmore Development Authority will receive a substantial grant,” said Congressman Tom Cole. “These much-needed advancements to water infrastructure will not only drive business growth at the Ardmore Industrial AirPark, it will create numerous jobs in the surrounding area and its communities. I appreciate that the Trump Administration and the Economic Development Administration recognize Ardmore’s potential as an Opportunity Zone and are actively making these crucial investments to revitalize the area.”
“The Trump Administration understands that reliable and modern infrastructure is essential to business development and success,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This project will provide the vital, modern water infrastructure needed to spur trade-related business growth at Ardmore’s Industrial AirPark, and its location near an Opportunity Zone will drive further investment into the region.”
“I am proud of the $1.25 million EDA grant awarded to the Ardmore Development Authority which will be matched with almost $2 million in local funds,” said Senator Jim Inhofe. “This funding will go a long way to make water infrastructure upgrades at the Ardmore Industrial Airpark and I look forward to the increased economic growth once this project is completed. I appreciate that the Trump Administration continues to prioritize responsible economic development in Oklahoma.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southern Oklahoma Development Authority (SODA), which EDA funds to 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. The announced funding will catalyze private investment in a nearby Opportunity Zone.
Source: Rep. Tom Cole
