U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.5 Million for Infrastructure Improvements to Support Semiconductor Business Growth in Copperas Cove, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.5 million grant to the city of Copperas Cove, Texas, for water, sewage, and roadway infrastructure improvements.

This grant will help develop industrial sites to support semiconductor business growth. This EDA investment will be matched with $875,000 in local funds and is expected to create 15 jobs and generate $130 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to ensuring that the United States is a leader in manufacturing and he is delivering on that promise with announcements like this one,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide the infrastructure to support microprocessor and computer chip production for the domestic market, boosting the regional economy and spurring private investment in the local industry.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment in the city of Copperas Cove will attract new businesses supporting the region’s semiconductor industry, creating jobs for residents and developing a robust regional economy that strengthens the nation’s technological leadership.”

“Texas is the No. 1 state for semiconductor manufacturing, and through our continued investments in critical infrastructure, we will ensure that our great state continues to lead in the semiconductor industry for years to come,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “I thank the Economic Development Administration for this grant to help improve the infrastructure in Copperas Cove and support ongoing growth in our semiconductor industry. Working together, Texas will continue to invest in critical infrastructure as we build America’s premier semiconductor hub.”

“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 the semiconductor industry in Central Texas.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Development District of Central Texas (DDCT). EDA funds DDCT 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 the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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.