WASHINGTON – Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor along with U.S. Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) announced today that the Economic Development Administration will invest $1.2 million dollars to help with construction of a rail spur necessary to connect Calpaco Inc., a paper goods company, to the Intermodal Rail Yard in Marion, Arkansas. The rail spur will create a direct access from Calpaco's new facility to the rail, allowing for a faster and more cost effective vehicle to ship the company's products. This grant is expected to create approximately 250-300 new jobs for the area and potentially generate private invests in excess of $6.4 million.
"This federal investment will provide transportation infrastructure critical to the creation of new jobs in the area," said Lincoln. I am pleased to have worked alongside the residents of McCrory to secure this funding. Their leadership and proactive spirit have been the driving force behind the federal government's interest and investment in McCrory."
“This investment is a great example of how government can work hand-in-hand with local communities and spur economic development,” said Senator Pryor. “Not only will hundreds of jobs be created, but overall quality of life in McCrory will also benefit.”
"This grant gives the 300 people who lost their jobs in 2003 after the American Greetings plant closed in McCrory hope for a new beginning," Berry said. "Economic development will continue to be one of my top priorities and I look forward to finding more ways to bring jobs to Arkansas' First District."
Calpaco Papers in will occupy the former American Greetings building in McCrory, Arkansas. The company's efforts at the plant will be focused on converting large rolls of paper into sheets and smaller rolls for use by commercial printers.
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