LOWELL, MA – October 21, 2008 – Today at Lowell City Hall, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and Representatives from the U.S Economic Development Administration delivered $50,000 in federal funds to the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG), which represents the communities of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough and Westford.  With the benefit of the federal funding, NMCOG will create a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the city and towns which make up the greater Lowell area. 

The completed CEDS will allow the City of Lowell and the surrounding communities to qualify for federal funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), which will be critical to future economic development projects, such as the Hamilton Canal.  NMCOG will now work with local governments to develop the five-year economic development plan through a grassroots planning process, which supports private capital investment and job creation in the region.

At this morning's check presentation ceremony, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas said, "I am pleased that this funding is being made available for economic development planning in Lowell and our surrounding communities.  I believe strongly that the federal government should act as partner with local cities and towns to advance economic development projects which create jobs and help to improve the quality of life for residents.  The completion of the CEDS is an essential step in that process and I am pleased that the Economic Development Administration recognizes the value in providing this necessary funding."

Beverly Woods, the Executive Director of NMCOG said, "The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments values its strong partnership with the Economic Development Administration and appreciates the support of Congresswoman Tsongas in securing this grant.  This $50,000 EDA planning grant will allow NMCOG to prepare a new Five-Year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Greater Lowell through a “grass-roots” planning process, which will ensure that the region remains eligible for EDA funding programs.  In this difficult economic climate, it extremely important that the region have an effective economic development program that focuses on job retention and creation, and encourages private investment throughout the Greater Lowell area."