U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.4 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Construct Events Center to Boost Tourism in Farmers Branch, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.4 million American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program grant to the city of Farmers Branch, Texas, to build a new events center to increase tourism.

This project will support construction of the events center at the Farmers Branch Historical Park, creating long-term opportunities for local businesses in the hospitality and events-related services. This EDA grant will be matched with $1.9 million in local investment.

 “President Biden recognizes the vital contribution the travel and tourism industry makes to the American economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to helping this critical sector not only recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic but build back stronger and more equitably for the future.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support tailored economic development,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The new events center is expected to host dozens of events throughout the year, attracting visitors to Farmers Branch and creating new opportunities for small businesses in tourism-related services, supporting a diverse and resilient economy.”

“This new events center in Farmers Branch will be a boon to our state's travel and tourism industry and create more tourism-related jobs and business opportunities for Texans in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for this investment that will bring more visitors and business activity to the Lone Star State.”

“The Farmers Branch Historical Park is a beloved local landmark, and I am thrilled it is receiving the funding it needs to preserve it for our next generation,” said Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24). “When I met with the Administrator, I spoke of the need for investment in Texas24, and I am glad this public private partnership is strengthening our heritage and this tourist destination for families all over Texas.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). EDA funds NCTCOG 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.

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.