The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.2 million grant to the city of West Plains, Missouri, to improve railroad infrastructure. To be matched with $3.9 million in other federal, state and local dollars, the grant is expected to create 50 jobs and generate $31.4 million in private investment, EDA officials said in a news release. "This project will improve transportation safety in the region and will mitigate negative impacts of flooding, improving business resiliency and creating a stronger regional economy," said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.