Arizona Commerce Authority Opens Rural Economic Development Grant to Bolster Job Growth in Rural Arizona

PHOENIX, AZ (September 11, 2013) — The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) today announced the opening of its Rural Economic Development Grant (REDG), a $2-million competitive grant focused on improving infrastructure that will attract high-wage industry to Arizona’s rural communities.

“A statewide approach is vital in our efforts to strengthen Arizona’s economy,” said Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson. “With a focus on improving key infrastructure assets in our rural communities, this grant will better position these communities to compete for, and to win high-quality projects that will create quality jobs.”

The ACA will be accepting grant applications from eligible rural communities and Native American Tribes in two rounds – now through October 22, 2013 and again in early January 2014.  Awardees will demonstrate the most immediate potential to create new quality jobs, retain existing quality jobs and stimulate private capital investment.

“Improving infrastructure enhances the marketability of an entire region. A lack of quality infrastructure often places Arizona’s rural communities in a less competitive position to attract business,” said Julie Pastrick, Chair of the ACA’s Rural Business Development Advisory Council. “Aligning the infrastructure of our rural communities with the needs of businesses seeking to expand and grow in our state will provide a base for long-term, sustainable economic development.”

The REDG is among a suite of ACA programs and services focused on advancing economic development throughout the state.  This is the third year for the Rural Economic Development Grant.  In 2012, the ACA awarded a total of $1.5 million to eight rural communities.  In 2011, the ACA awarded a total of $2 million to 21 entities.

To request a copy of the application form click here, or visit azcommerce.com

Media Contact

Joseph Valdez, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1234, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.