This EDA assistance to coal communities award to the city of fennimore will help the city expand its existing industrial park

The Economic Development Administration awarded the City of Fennimore $3.985 million on July 6, 2026, under the Investments for Public Works and Economic Development Facilities program (CFDA 11.300) to expand the city's industrial park by 72 acres following the 2024 closure of the Energizer Battery Plant, which eliminated more than 170 jobs.

The funded infrastructure includes construction of new road, water, and wastewater systems to support the expanded development-ready space. The project is expected to create 288 new jobs and generate $23 million in private investment. Work is performed in Wisconsin, with a period of performance through September 6, 2030. This is assistance under the EDA's Public Works program, which catalyzes infrastructure investment in economically distressed communities to attract new industry and diversify local economies.

The 2024 closure of the energizer battery plant cost the region more than 170 jobs leaving the city without one of its major employers. Local leaders recognized the need to diversify the regions economy to be more resilient to future shocks like plant closures. The addition of 72 acres to the citys successful industrial park will provide new development-ready space for new businesses and business expansions. The EDA-funded infrastructure will include construction of new road, water, and wastewater infrastructure, and the project is expected to help create 288 new jobs and generate $23 million in private investment.