Clever gets CDBG funds for Sutter Manufacturing

A manufacturer, whose facility was destroyed by fire earlier this year, will be able to rebuild in Christian County as a result of a grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, according to a press release from the DED.

The city of Clever will receive a $213,325 industrial infrastructure grant from the Community Development Block Grant program.

The money will be used for sewer, water and road improvements in the city's Wedgewood Industrial Parc that are necessary for Sutter Manufacturing Inc. to locate there and create 23 new full-time jobs.

This project also is eligible for Business Facility Tax Credits and on-the-job training through the Missouri Customized Training Program.

"A fire, as well as any natural disaster, can contribute to the economic unraveling of a community when it results in the loss of jobs and revenue in a community," DED Director Joseph L. Driskill said in the release.

"I am pleased that we have been able to partner with the city of Clever to help this company pick up the pieces and bring job opportunities back to the area. This project also will significantly contribute to future economic development activities in the community," he added.

Sutter Manufacturing Inc. manufactures horse and stock trailers. Sutter's previous plant was located in Nixa. The company will rebuild its facility in Clever, maintaining a Christian County location, because of land costs and to accommodate future expansion needs. These improvements will open up four industrial tracts within the currently undeveloped Wedgewood Industrial Parc, providing for future economic development opportunities.

The industrial infrastructure grant was made under the Community Development Block Grant program, administered by DED. Funds will be released to the city of Clever as certain requirements set forth by the CDBG program are met.

The program provides economic development grants and loan funds to cities with populations of less than 50,000 and counties with populations of less than 200,000 to assist in the location of new industry and the expansion or retention of existing businesses.

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