Feds grant $2.5 million for tribal economic development

The federal government awarded a $2.5 million grant to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation for critical infrastructure improvements.

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration approved the grant, which will go toward supporting diversified business growth at the Iron Horse Industrial Park.

With the funds, the tribe is expected to create nearly 50 jobs and generate $4.5 million in private investment, according to the Commerce Department.

“Enhanced infrastructure at the Iron Horse Industrial Park will strengthen the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s ability to launch new ventures and compete in the global economy," said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

Dana Gartzke with the Economic Development Administration said the project will extend rail infrastructure and purchase equipment for a transload facility, which is expected to attract new business and make the industrial park more resilient after natural disasters.

"The project’s location in an opportunity zone will further attract a diversified business community,” Gartzke said.

Oklahoma has 117 "opportunity zones" designated by the federal government, which are defined by the Internal Revenue Service as an "economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment."

The Central Oklahoma Economic Development District assisted with the grant request. The grant is funded by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019, which provided EDA with $600 million in additional funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas affected by Hurricanes, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and other major natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2018, and tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019.