Feds sending money to SE Wisconsin to spur investment, create jobs
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Southeast Wisconsin is one of 12 manufacturing communities in the U.S. that is going to receive a portion of $1.3 billion in federal money intended to spur investment and create jobs. It was awarded to The Milwaukee 7 Region.
That money is part of an Obama Administration program launched in September 2013 called Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP).
It's an initiative to spur communities to develop integrated, long-term economic development strategies that strengthen their competitive edge in attracting global manufacturers and their supply chains to our local communities—increasing investment and creating jobs.
IMCP specifically brings together the resources of multiple federal departments and agencies to support strong local economic development plans.
On Wednesday, May 28th, the first 12 manufacturing communities designated by the IMCP are:
Each designated community will also receive a federal liaison and branding and promotion as a designated manufacturing community to help attract additional private investment and partnerships.
Gov. Scott Walker issued the following statement in connection with this announcement: "I am thrilled to congratulate the Milwaukee 7 on being named one of the first Manufacturing Communities as part of the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) initiative by the U.S. Commerce Department. This is a testament to the comprehensive work Milwaukee 7 is doing to develop our workforce, grow our economy, and create jobs. This designation will help boost economic development in the Transform Milwaukee area, and all of southeastern Wisconsin, which will have a positive impact on our great state."
"Manufacturing is part of our DNA. This is something we've done well for over a century. It shows we can compete -- and not only compete on a national and global level, but that we can win," Mayor Tom Barrett said.
The Milwaukee 7 Region
Known as the “Machine Shop of the World”, the seven-county Milwaukee region in Southeast Wisconsin employs than 15 percent of its workforce in manufacturing. Led by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee, the region is building on its historic strengths in precision machining to attract new jobs and investment in energy and power, water technologies, and food and beverage manufacturing.