WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration awarded a $500,000 grant to Excelsior Springs to improve roadway and sewer infrastructure to accommodate business development. Located in a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone, the grant will be matched with $400,000 in state funds and $100,000 in local funds. The effort is expected to generate $4.5 million in private investment and to create 20 jobs. The zone is near Interstate 35 and Highway 69. When complete, the project is expected to allow businesses to expand and should attract more businesses to the area, helping grow the region’s manufacturing industry, attract private investment, create jobs and boost the regional economy, support information states. “The expansion of roadways and relocation of sewer lines will directly support new economic development opportunities in northwest Missouri,” Dana Gartzke said. Gartzke performs delegated duties of the assistant secretary of commerce for economic…