U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Representative Bill Enyart and Mount Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley announced a $3.25 million grant to Mount Vernon. The grant was provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to create jobs and help in the construction of infrastructure, according to a news release from Durbin.  The project is expected to create 500 jobs.  The funding will be used to help construct road, water and other infrastructure needed to accommodate the expansion of the Mount Vernon’s new 100-acre industrial park.  EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States.  Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.