Lake Worth in Line to Receive Grant from US Economic Development Administration

The City of Lake Worth has received a “further consideration” letter from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) indicating the city’s grant funding application for the Lake Worth Park of Commerce Infrastructure Improvements was selected through EDA’s competitive application review process for further consideration for funding. Subject to the US Congress appropriation and availability of funds for FY 2016, Lake Worth is slated to receive $1,389,100 in EDA funding under the Public Works program, as authorized under section 201 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Moreover, there is additional documentation that the City must provide by September 4, 2015 in order to receive the funds.

“This has truly been a team effort,” according to Michael Bornstein, City Manager. “It is a project that involved all departments of the City – from the planning to water/sewer, from electric to roads, engineering to landscape – every department has been impacted in some way.”

The collaboration extended outside of Lake Worth, too. Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council included the Lake Worth Park of Commerce in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the region – a necessary component for the project. The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County & the Economic Council of Palm Beach County authored support letters detailing the importance of the Park.

But the biggest is the strategic alliance is with Palm Beach County – specifically the Department of Economic Sustainability. Without their expertise and guidance in grant writing along with the approval by the County Commissioners making Palm Beach County a co-applicant for the EDA grant, the Park of Commerce would not have been as competitive.
“It is all about fostering and building relationships in order to improve the City of Lake Worth,” says Mayor Pam Triolo. “That notwithstanding, the biggest winners are the citizens – adding over 300 jobs with an economic impact of $183.7million – that is great news for us all. I am grateful to the entire team that has brought us to this point.”

Located in central Palm Beach County, Lake Worth is a dynamic, multi-cultural city with an individualistic style. People are drawn to the city by its acceptance of different cultures and lifestyles, historic districts, hip downtown and colorful arts district.