Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $300,000 to Strengthen Economy in McAllen, Texas

April 15, 2009

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $300,000 grant to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council of McAllen, Texas to develop and implement a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties and to provide disaster recovery assistance to communities in the region that were severely impacted by Hurricane Dolly.

"The Economic Development Administration is pleased to partner with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council to improve the regional economic climate," said Sandra R. Walters, EDA Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer. "This EDA grant will improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of the Hurricane Dolly recovery process and help to minimize future dislocations resulting from natural and other disasters."

EDA supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.