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U.S. EDA Invests $3.4 Million to Boost Texas Manufacturing Jobs and Strengthen Gulf Coast Economy

September 19, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085


WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank today announced $3.4 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to help create new jobs in the Texas manufacturing sector and help Gulf Coast communities strengthen their local economies.

"The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation's economic competitiveness," Blank said. "These EDA-funded projects will help bring high-quality jobs and economic growth to Texas and the Gulf Coast communities by providing the critical infrastructure needed to support manufacturing and advancing the diversity and resiliency of the regional economy."

The investments announced today include:

  • $1.18 million to the city of Seguin to help build an elevated water storage facility that will allow Continental Automotive Systems to expand its operations and help attract new industrial and commercial development to the Alamo region. The company manufactures electronic control modules that operate the engines and transmissions in one out of every three vehicles sold in the United States. The project is expected to create 500 new jobs, according to grantee estimates.
  • $1.163 million to the Gulf of Mexico Foundation of Corpus Christi to establish the Gulf of Mexico Habitat Restoration Training Center in Galveston to assist local communities in planning for economic and environmental challenges. The Center will provide training in coastal habitat restoration and mitigation and highlight best practices to ensure the continued conservation and management of natural resources.
  • $901,955 to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to refurbish a building to expand the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center. The Business Innovation Center focuses on assisting and developing emerging green businesses and technologies to boost growth of the region's renewable energy sector.

Gulf Coast communities have been hit hard in recent years, but have made significant progress toward recovery since President Obama took office, with help from agencies across the Federal government. The U.S. Commerce Department has invested millions of dollars to jumpstart economic and job growth in the Gulf and has accelerated efforts since President Obama took office. The administration has taken significant steps to eliminate bureaucratic red tape that has delayed assistance, including obligating billions in public assistance funds to support recovery efforts, and has continued to work with state and local partners to provide assistance to the region.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.