This EDA investment supports the white mountain apache development corporation with making improvements to the white mountain apache timber company (wmatco) sawmill in whiteriver, arizona

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $3.3 million under the Economic Adjustment Assistance (CFDA 11.307) federal grant program to the White Mountain Apache Community Development Corporation on December 9, 2021. The funding will support improvements to the sawmill operated by the White Mountain Apache Timber Company in Whiteriver, Arizona, which will help the timber business and local economy recover from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, upgrades to the sawmill infrastructure will promote tribal entrepreneurship, economic diversification, and job creation on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. By strengthening regional industry and attracting private investment, this EDA investment aims to benefit the local community through new opportunities and a more resilient economy.

The project will help the fort apache indian reservation recover from devastating businesses losses due to the covid-19 pandemic, support tribal entrepreneurship, diversify the local economy, and create jobs, which will attract private investment and strengthen the regional economy.