Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3 Million in Texas to Support Business and Infrastructure Development

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $3 million in grants to the State of Texas to support infrastructure projects and fuel further business growth. According to grantee estimates, these projects are expected to create and retain 900 jobs, while generating $23 million in private investment.

“Since his first day in office, President Trump has sought to revitalize America’s infrastructure in countless communities across the nation,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “These upgrades to the water, sewer, and construction infrastructure will aid Texas businesses, providing further growth and new jobs to the region.”

“Continuous investment in infrastructure in every region of Texas is critical to spur even greater economic growth,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The communities of Hidalgo and Brownsville are poised for economic expansion, and these infrastructure projects will undoubtedly help local businesses grow new jobs as well as attract new investments. I thank Secretary Ross and the U.S. Department of Commerce for these grants and for recognizing the importance of investing in these communities.”

The EDA investments announced today are:

• The Hidalgo Economic Development Corporation will receive $1.2 million to help support the Hidalgo Infrastructure Project to make water, sewer, and road improvements that will serve commercial and industrial sites within the city. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create or retain 200 jobs and generate $20 million in private investment.
• The Port of Brownsville will receive $1.8 million to make infrastructure improvements needed to assist businesses in the ship-building industry. The investment will also improve and expand marine delivery and shipment operations to attract new companies. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 700 jobs and spur $3 million in private investment.

These projects were both made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council. EDA funds the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.