The U.S. Department of Commerce is sending more than $1 million to southern Texas to bolster business and job growth in the region. The Economic Development Administration is making the $1.6 million grant to the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation in Harlingen, Texas, to build a new industrial park near the U.S.-Mexico border, according to an Aug. 1 news release.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is providing communities with resources to boost businesses and create jobs,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release. “This EDA investment will expand South Texas’ industrial core, attracting new businesses while enabling others to expand, building a resilient regional economy.”
The funding "will provide critical infrastructure needed to support the new industrial park and attract businesses to the region," the DOC said in the release.
The grant will be matched with $411,900 in local funds, the release reported. Grantee estimates predict the investment will create or retail approximately 450 jobs and generate $4 million in private investment.
Texas officials praised the investment by the administration of President Joe Biden, including Republicans Gov. Greg Abbott and Sen. John Cornyn, and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, a Democrat. Cornyn said in the release that "(a)ccess to robust and efficient infrastructure is critical for the continued economic development in Texas.”
“I applaud this announcement and look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have for South Texas,” Cornyn said in the release.
“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,” Abbott said in the release. “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."
Gonzalez thanked Biden and his fellow congressional Democrats for passing "historic funding that continues to deliver for the American people." He said the investment will improve Harlingen's economy and have a "positive ripple effect" through the region, the release reported.
“South Texas has a better, brighter future ahead because of reinvestment in American industry,” Gonzalez said in the release.
