Pryor, Lincoln, Berry Announce $1.8 Million Grant for Batesville

390 New Jobs Expected

May 29, 2009 -- Washington – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representative Marion Berry today announced that the City of Batesville has been awarded a $1.8 million economic development grant to convert Emerson Climate Technologies’ White-Rodgers facility, a former machining facility, into a manufacturing plant, a process that is expected to create hundreds of jobs for the region.

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Last August, Emerson announced that the company planned to expand and re-tool the former White-Rodgers facility to produce components for the company’s air conditioning compressor manufacturing facilities. The ultimate $120 million investment is expected to bring 390 new full-time jobs to Batesville at an average wage of $14.51 per hour.

“Last year, I worked with Emerson’s CEO, David Farr, as well as Governor Beebe, the state Economic Development Commission, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration to provide a proposal that would bring new, high-paying jobs to Batesville,” Lincoln said. “Emerson has enjoyed a long and mutually productive partnership with the City of Batesville, and the entire region celebrated last year when Emerson decided the company would continue its nearly four-decade presence in Arkansas, creating 390 new jobs in the process. Emerson has announced that while renovation plans are delayed, they are still committed to the project. Now, with the federal government’s $1.8 million investment, this industrial expansion is closer to becoming a reality.”

“Emerson has played an integral role in the Batesville community, and this federal investment will ensure their continued presence and productivity in the region,” said Pryor.

“This investment will help make sure that employment opportunities continue to be available in Arkansas,” said Berry. “One of the region’s most valuable resources is its skilled workforce and this funding will provide the foundation for continued economic growth in the area.”

This U.S. Department of Commerce grant is provided by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), which serves as a venture capital resource to meet the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the country. EDA’s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Source: Senator Mark Pryor