Jefferson City receives $1.5 million grant to support commercial redevelopment project in opportunity zone

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KMIZ)

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross reports that Jefferson City will receive a $1.5 million grant to support the commercial redevelopment of the historic Missouri State Penitentiary site.

'The Trump Administration is committed to helping American communities recover from, and build back stronger, following natural disasters,' said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. 'This project will address the regional need for economic development opportunities in the aftermath of the devastating floods and tornadoes of 2019.'

$1.6 million in local funds will match the grant and create up to 67 jobs and generate nearly $28 million in private investment.

'The Economic Development Administration plays and important role in supporting locally-driven disaster recovery and resiliency plants,' said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. 'This investment will allow for construction of roadways and infrastructure at the Missouri State Penitentiary redevelopment site to create new opportunities for business growth and development, and the project's Opportunity Zone designation will further transform the local economy.'

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission, which EDA funds to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.