WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $51,000 Economic Development Administration investment to the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission.

“Any time we have the opportunity to implement new economic development strategies, we have an obligation to support our rural communities.  This award will enhance the economic environment in Butler, Carter, Reynolds, Ripley and Wayne counties,” said Emerson.  “I appreciate the advocacy of the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission in our communities, and I congratulate them on their receipt of these funds.  I look forward to seeing what the Commission can do with them to continue to improve the quality of life for all of us in Southern Missouri.  In the meantime, I will be hard at work as an advocate for our district in the U.S. Congress.”

The comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) process is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.