For Immediate Release: Jan. 20, 2021

 

Kincheloe, MI – Chippewa County EDC Receives Economic Development Administration Grant for $3.4 Million to Support Manufacturing Growth in Chippewa County

 

 

On Jan. 19th, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.4 million grant to the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation, Kincheloe, Michigan, to build a manufacturing facility at the Chippewa County Air/Industrial Park and expand an existing railroad spur to serve the facility. The EDA grant will be matched with $842,310 in local funds.  The funds will support the construction of a new 20,0000 square foot facility that will be served by rail.  This facility will be another key asset for its Air and Industrial Park to allow for expansion, attract new firms, and generate jobs.  “These grants are highly competitive and a key tool to assist the EDC in positioning itself for growth and expansion”, stated EDC President Chris Olson.  “This project will also directly tie into the recently competed efforts between the City of Sault Ste. Marie EDC and the Chippewa County EDC on the expansion of the existing Foreign Trade Zone, to encompass all of Chippewa County”. 

 

The EDC was successful in obtaining this grant with the assistance of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning.  “The EUP Regional Planning Commission congratulates our partners at the CCEDC on this important economic development effort that has been funded in the district” stated CEO Jeff Hagan of the Regional Planning Commission.  “As evidenced by recent studies, the area lacks available vertical assets in terms of buildings for attraction and retention efforts”, stated Hagan “This investment is a direct result of the Comprehensive Economic Development Planning program and the County’s continued involvement in those efforts”.

 

The Chippewa County EDC’s mission is to encourage economic growth through strengthening the county’s competitive position and facilitating investments that build capacity, create jobs, generate economic opportunity and improve quality of life. The Chippewa County EDC also manages the Chippewa County International Airport and the Kincheloe Industrial Park.

 

            For more information, call 906-495-5631 or visit https://www.chippewacountyedc.com/

 

Media Contact:

 

Chris Olson

President, Chippewa County EDC

Contact: 906-495-5631, chrisolson@chippewacountyedc.com