U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.6 Million to Support Business Growth in Southern Texas
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.6 million grant to the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC), Harlingen, Texas, to develop a new industrial park to support business growth and job creation in the region near the U.S.-Mexico border.
This grant will provide critical infrastructure needed to support the new industrial park and attract businesses to the region. This EDA investment will be matched with $411,900 in local funds and is expected to create or retain nearly 450 jobs and generate $4 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is providing communities with resources to boost businesses and create jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will expand South Texas’ industrial core, attracting new businesses while enabling others to expand, building a resilient regional economy.”
“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to implement strategic, place-based investments across the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide new opportunities for industrial business growth, creating a stronger, more diverse regional economy throughout South Texas.”
“I want to thank the Economic Development Administration for this investment to help strengthen South Texas’ thriving economy through the development of a new industrial park in Harlingen,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The grant will support continued job growth, create greater economic opportunities for hardworking Texans in the community, and contribute to the region’s economic opportunities. As the Best State for Business in the nation, we continue working to boost business growth and economic activity in the Rio Grande Valley and for Texans across our great state.”
“Access to robust and efficient infrastructure is critical for the continued economic development in Texas,” said Senator John Cornyn. “I applaud this announcement and look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have for South Texas.”
“South Texas has a better, brighter future ahead because of reinvestment in American industry,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34). “Thanks to the President and Congressional Democrats, we passed historic funding that continues to deliver for the American people. This $1.6 million investment in new jobs, businesses, and growth will strengthen Harlingen’s economy and have a positive ripple effect throughout our region.”
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.