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Washington, D.C., Oct 30 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that he has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce requesting that a representative from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) join him in meeting with the localities of Franklin, Isle of Wight and Southampton to hold an economic development forum on the specific ways the EDA can support the communities impacted by the International Paper mill closure.

The purpose of the EDA is to prepare regions throughout America for economic growth and success. Specifically, the EDA works with communities who are responding to sudden or severe dislocations, like plant closures and major layoffs, to develop strategies that identify promising opportunities for long-term economic growth. This could include assisting localities in developing plans to upgrade physical infrastructure, encourage business expansion, diversify local economies, or generate long-term private sector jobs. 

In the letter to the Department of Commerce, Forbes stated “As they have done for years in the past, these communities will pull together to renew their economy. The families you will meet here are proud, hard-working people. I am confident that the EDA's guidance and resources in cooperation with the efforts of federal, state, and local leaders will help the City of Franklin, Isle of Wight, and Southampton counties towards a brighter future.”  

In addition, Congressman Forbes’ staff in Washington, D.C. has been in contact with officials from the EDA to begin the process of scheduling this forum.  

To view a copy of the letter, click here. For more information on the EDA, visit www.eda.gov.