Press Release

El Paso's Regional Growth Management Activities Expand with Commerce Department Investment

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

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.2 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of El Paso, Texas, to support the implementation of the El Paso Regional Growth Management Plan. EDA is administering this grant on behalf of the Department of Defense's Office of Economic Adjustment.

"Through our U.S. Economic Development Administration, we are able to provide funding to cities like El Paso to enhance job creation, economic growth and competitiveness," Locke said. "This grant will help El Paso manage growth, enhance industry clusters, and develop new emerging clusters in the Upper Rio Grande region."

This project will continue the city's regional growth management and adjustment activity that has been affected by the 2005 Fort Bliss Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), which will significantly increase the military population at Fort Bliss. The plan will conduct studies to address El Paso's regional profile, economic analysis and forecast, land use development, transportation and urban design.

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.