Press Release

U.S. Commerce Deputy Secretary Sampson and Congressman Walsh Announce $1.2 Million Investment in Wayne County, New York

PALMYRA, N.Y.—U.S. Commerce Deputy Secretary David A. Sampson and U.S. Representative Jim Walsh today announced a $1.2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) investment to the Wayne County Industrial Development Agency of Wayne County, N.Y. The investment will help upgrade a wastewater treatment system to serve Garlock Sealing Technologies, several other manufacturing companies and future commercial growth. The investment is expected to create 1,050 new jobs and generate $37 million in private investment.

"President Bush and I are committed to partnering with communities to promote innovation and competitiveness. Through economic development grants like these, the Commerce Department will continue to encourage investments in local areas, grow the economy and create jobs," said Sampson.

"This funding is an important component of our local efforts to keep, improve, and expand Garlock's presence in Wayne County," said Congressman Walsh (NY-25). "With over 600 current employees and 233 vendor businesses in the region, Garlock's decision to remain and grow here has a significant impact on our local economy. This federal investment is part of a larger $35.59 million project that will modernize and increase production capacity at the Palmyra facility in order to grow Garlock's business and market share."

EDA serves as a venture capital resource to meet the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. EDA's mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American Regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at http://www.eda.gov/.