The US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced a $1.6 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Canton, Illinois, to help build a medical device manufacturing facility and business park. The project, made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and generate private investment in the region.

“The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation’s economic competitiveness,” Locke said. “This grant will help diversify the Canton area’s economy and create new higher-skilled, higher-wage jobs in the bio-medical sector.”

“This project will enhance Canton’s ability to attract new investment and foster economic expansion,” US Sen. Dick Durbin said. “Today’s Recovery Act funding will accelerate the construction of the business park while creating good paying jobs within the community.”

“This grant is tremendous news for Canton and the surrounding region,” U.S. Rep. Phil Hare said. “Building a bio-medical manufacturing and business park will create up to 300 jobs and provide a much needed boost to the local economy. Projects like these are exactly why I supported the stimulus package.”