U.S. Commerce Assistant Secretary Spotlights
Job Growth in Klamath Falls, Oregon
$1.5 Million Invested

U.S. Commerce Assistant Secretary David Sampson and Congressman Greg Walden today in Klamath, Ore. spotlighted the importance of local investments and good paying jobs by presenting two economic development checks totaling $1.5 million to South Central Oregon Economic Development District of Klamath Falls, the city of Klamath Falls and Klamath County, Ore. The Commerce Department Economic Development Administration (EDA) funded the grant.

The city of Klamath Falls and Klamath County received $950,000 to support the development of the 227 thousand sq. ft. Eastside Commercial Development Center. The South Central Oregon Economic Development District of Klamath Falls received $500,000 for a revolving loan fund that will help Klamath Basin farmers and agriculture-related businesses diversify and expand the region’s emerging technology sector.

“The Department of Commerce is pleased to partner with the people of Klamath Falls. This investment is a great example of President Bush and Congressman Greg Walden’s commitment to empowering local communities with the necessary tools to grow their economy, attract investments and create jobs in Klamath,” said Evans.

“This federal investment in Klamath Falls demonstrates once again the high priority the Bush Administration has placed on improving the economic health of this community. I’m proud to have played a role in securing these much needed funds, and I look forward to working with the Department of Commerce in the future to identify additional funding sources to bring jobs and economic development to the Klamath Basin,” said Congressman Walden.

EDA serves as a venture capital resource to meet the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. EDA partners with states, units of local government and community nonprofit organizations in economically distressed areas, regions and communities in order to alleviate conditions of poverty and substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment.

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