Grant of $57,000 to develop regional economic strategy

The Western Arizona Economic Development District has received $57,000 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to continue its role in developing and carrying out an economic strategy for the region.

The intent of the grant is to bring together private and public investments to improve job creation efforts in Yuma, La Paz and Mohave counties, according to Rep. Raul M. Grijalva.

“Planning our economic recovery at the local level is an important investment in Arizona's future, and we'll create more good jobs in southern Arizona if we work together and plan ahead,” Grijalva said.

WAEDD represents local governments, including the tribes, within the three counties. “The purpose of the grant is for economic development planning within the region — not just Yuma-centric — but western Arizona,” Alan Pruitt, WAEDD director, noted.

The grant will allow updating of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies, which highlights the best regional opportunities for EDA investment.

Two examples of EDA funding include a $3.8 million grant for the Yuma International Airport's Defense Contractor Complex and a $1.6 million grant for a business incubator in the San Luis Industrial Park.

“We provide a single point of access to EDA and EDA programmatic activities to our region,” Pruitt said.