Eastgate Awarded $210K to Implement Development Strategy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Eastgate Regional Council of Governments has received a $210,000 grant to create and implement a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy in conjunction with the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s Chicago office.

With the grant, Eastgate will develop partnerships and work on local projects in several sectors, including workforce training, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and site development, and business climate. The grant also allows for Eastgate to provide technical assistance to local communities and organizations applying for federal funding.

“This grant is a key example of what work can be done when the public and private sector come together to enhance the economic well-being of the community,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan in the announcement of the award. “Investments such as this mutually benefit all parties involved and we should encourage more of these partnerships in the future.”

Eastgate has seen an increase in the requests for technical assistance, noted the agency’s economic development program manager, Genna Petrolla, and is one of the area’s lead organizations in researching economic trends in the area. 

“The Partnership Planning Grant from EDA allows Eastgate to carry out its role as a leader and convener in the area of economic and community development in the region,” she said. “Eastgate appreciates the support of our local, state and federal leadership and will continue to work on data-based solutions to help diversify our local economy and create opportunity for our residents.”

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