U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $6.3 Million to Support Business Growth and Workforce Development in Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $6.3 million in the state of Texas to support business growth and workforce development following natural disasters in the state.

The EDA investments announced today are:

• Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, will receive a $2.5 million EDA grant to construct a multi-species veterinary care facility and support biomedical research. The project will be matched with $625,000 in local funds and is expected to create 445 jobs and generate $700 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

• Angelo State University, San Angelo, will receive a $2 million EDA grant to construct a commercial aviation training facility and diversify the local economy. The project will be matched with $500,000 in local funds and is expected to create or retain nearly 40 jobs and generate $7 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

• The city of Hidalgo will receive a $1.8 million EDA grant for roadway and water infrastructure improvements to support business growth at an industrial park. The project will be matched with $460,925 in local funds and is expected to create or retain more than 280 jobs and generate $20.5 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“Building a strong and resilient workforce is a crucial component of President Biden’s Investing In America agenda, and this investment in Texas will do just that,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “We know the financial and emotional impact that natural disasters have on communities all over America. This EDA investment will ensure that Texas has the resources, infrastructure, and workforce needed to support their families, communities, and growing economy in the aftermath of these tragedies.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally-developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to assist San Antonio, San Angelo, and Hidalgo in their disaster recovery work to create more jobs and spur private investment in their communities that benefit the entire region.”

“Whether it is strengthening our workforce or aiding our fellow Texans in recovery efforts, Texas continues to work tirelessly to provide the tools and resources needed for Texans and businesses to succeed and prosper,“ said Governor Greg Abbott. “I thank the Economic Development Administration for this grant that will help create hundreds of job opportunities for hardworking Texans looking to advance in the biomedical research, commercial aviation, and infrastructure fields. Together, we will continue to recover from recent severe weather and build a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.”

“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 these investments will have for business growth across Texas.”

The Texas Biomedical Research project is made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG). EDA funds AACOG 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.

The Angelo State University project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Concho Valley Economic Development District (CVEDD). EDA funds CVEDD 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.

These projects are 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.