Casa Grande Receives ESP Funding

The Arizona Departments of Commerce & Transportation have approved a new Economic Strength Project (ESP) in Casa Grande. This joint program provides grants for road projects that result in economic development & meet 3 primary goals: create or retain a significant number of jobs in Arizona; lead to significant capital investment in Arizona; & make a significant contribution to the economy of Arizona.

A $290,000 grant has been awarded to the City of Casa Grande for new construction of Ash & Shultz Streets. This project will facilitate the operations of Daisy Brand, LP, a manufacturer of cultured dairy products. The total capital invested in the Daisy Brand facility is $32 million & 90 jobs will be created.

Arizona Department of Commerce Director Gilbert Jimenez offered congratulations to the community. "Our partnership with the Department of Transportation & each of these communities is critical. Applicant communities must provide matching funds of at least 10% of the project total," Jimenez said. "Nearly 90 new jobs are being created by this award, & many more jobs are likely to result from the improvements being made."

Applications for this very competitive grant program may be submitted to the Arizona Department of Commerce by towns, cities or counties. Economic development organizations may apply if the project is co-sponsored by the local jurisdiction. Application announcements are made twice each year, in January & July. The State Transportation Board is the final approval entity for the ESP program, which has a continuous funding source of up to $500,000 in each round. Requests for proposals will be distributed the end of July for the next funding round.

For more information on ESP, please visit www.azcommerce.com.