U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) will invest $6.7 million in Texas. This investment aims to improve healthcare access and support business growth in the state.
On September 26, Secretary Raimondo stated, "President Biden is committed to ensuring all communities have the resources needed to grow and thrive." This investment aligns with the administration's goal of providing necessary resources to communities across the country.
One of the key projects supported by this investment is the construction of a community-based dental clinic at the Multi-Assistance Center at Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio. The EDA will provide a $3.4 million grant for this initiative, which will enhance access to healthcare and create new job opportunities. The project is expected to generate $47.5 million in private investment, retain 28 existing jobs, and create 28 new jobs. The local match required for this project is $864,750.
Another significant project receiving funding is the improvement of water and road infrastructure in the city of Roma. The EDA will grant $1.7 million for this purpose, supporting the development of a new industrial park and facilitating regional business growth. The project is estimated to attract $14.8 million in private investment, create 172 new jobs, and retain 50 existing jobs. The local funding match for this project is $500,000.
Additionally, the city of Hidalgo in Texas will receive a $1.6 million grant from the EDA. This funding will be utilized to enhance the water and transportation infrastructure in order to construct two new industrial parks. The project is expected to generate $34 million in private investment, create 340 new jobs, and retain 33 current jobs. The local match for this initiative is $400,000.
The investment in the community-based dental clinic at Morgan's Wonderland is particularly significant for Congressman Greg Casar, who represents the district where the clinic is located. He expressed his support for the funding, stating, "The dental clinic at the MAC at Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, which is in the middle of my district, has long been a cause dear to my heart. The Biden Administration continues to provide for regular Texans, and my team and I filed a strong letter of support for this funding." Congressman Casar highlighted the importance of quality dental treatment for individuals with disabilities and emphasized the positive impact the clinic will have on their overall health.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) played a crucial role in making the Hidalgo project possible. The EDA provides funding to LRGVDC to promote regional planning initiatives that bring together the public and private sectors to design strategies for economic development, capital investment, and job creation.
This $6.7 million investment from the U.S. Department of Commerce's EDA will not only improve access to healthcare in Texas but also support infrastructure upgrades that will facilitate business expansion and job creation. It reflects the Biden Administration's commitment to providing resources to communities for their growth and prosperity.
