Press Release

San Antonio's Walters Street to be Improved with Commerce Department Grant

June 21, 2010
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

Obama Administration investment helps prepare for significant influx of personnel to Fort Sam Houston

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.3 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of San Antonio, Texas, to make infrastructure improvements to the Walters Street corridor. The project supports San Antonio's larger economic development strategy in the wake of the Defense Department's 2005 BRAC recommendation to close Fort McPherson and relocate personnel to Fort Sam Houston.

"The Obama Administration is committed to supporting job creation and local economic development," Locke said. "This EDA investment is vital to San Antonio's strategy to prepare the area for the expansion of Fort Sam and the Brook Army Hospital Center. These improvements will help generate private business development and transform the area into a major commercial district."

Fort Sam Houston will be experiencing an increase of over 12,000 military and civilian personnel with approximately 10,000 dependents from the BRAC 2005 realignment. Walters Street is the primary thoroughfare to the main entrance of the base. Its poor condition significantly limits commercial and residential opportunities. .

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):

This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.