Press Release

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces $1.5 Million Grant to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Cameron County, Texas

November 30, 2009
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Cameron County, Texas to help the region recover from the economic impact of Hurricane Dolly by building a technology training center in the town of Santa Rosa.

"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This EDA grant will build a technology training center in Santa Rosa that will help attract new, innovative businesses to the region by providing a workforce equipped to compete for the new higher-skill, higher-wage jobs associated with the technology sector."

The Department of Commerce is a voice for Main Street businesses that works to grow local economies by fostering innovation and opening markets to U.S. products and services. Locke is a member of President Barack Obama's economic team.

EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster economic growth and job creation. 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 global 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.