Economic Development Administration (EDA)

What’s EDA?

In 1967, the United States Congress passed the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration legislation to assist communities, counties, and Indian Nations with the necessary funding for planning, infrastructure and public works needs based on job creation, job retention, and training.

EDA funds are competitive on behalf of eligible entities and administered through each designated Economic Development District. Most of the COGS in Oklahoma serve as the EDA designated Economic Development District.

Who’s eligible?

Counties, cities, towns, and Indian Nations may apply for the funds. Ports, unincorporated areas and publicly owned industrial parks may apply for EDA funds under the sponsorship of the county in which they are located. Most EDA funding in this area has gone toward infrastructure improvements based on job creation.

Is there a grant award maximum?

Historically Grand Gateway EDA has received grant allocations of $1.5 million, with a minimum of a 50% match. Current projects include renovations and restorations on a publicly held historically significant building to serve as the center of a downtown district as well as continued work towards business incubators.

What type of projects does EDA fund?

EDA grant awards may be used for water and wastewater construction projects municipally held utility expansion, renovation and construction of community facilities. All projects must be a part of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a continuing, touchstone planning tool utilized with and for stakeholders to prioritize and develop long term policies and strategies of implementation.

EDA applications are continually open based on the federal funding year. The CEDS committee welcomes new ideas and innovations to continue job creation, growth, and development in the Grand Gateway EDA service region.

For additional information regarding the EDA Program, contact Tami McKeon.