Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests Nearly $2.2 Million to Promote Disaster Resiliency Efforts in Texas

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Monday, September 28, 2015

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced two U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants totaling nearly $2.2 million to Rio Grande City and the Deep East Texas Council of Governments to support disaster recovery and resiliency efforts in the southern regions of Texas. According to the grantees, these projects will aid with economic recovery from previous natural disasters.

“The Commerce Department is committed to preparing communities for natural disasters by providing the information, products, and services they need to mitigate potential economic impact,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA grants announced today will provide vital support to ensure these communities are ready for future storm events and able to recover more quickly.”

• $1,150,000 to Rio Grande City, Texas to assist with developing a new commercial shopping center and industrial park and upgrading road and drainage infrastructure, to help the Rio Grande City recover economically from the severe flooding that disrupted economic activity. The road and drainage construction will help reduce future risk of flooding, while the center and park will create jobs and spur economic growth. According to the grantee, the project will bring an estimated 600 new jobs to the area and create an economic hub for the city.
  
• $1 million to the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) to help construct the building that will house the DETCOG Region Multi-Agency Coordinating Center (MACC) in Lufkin, Texas. The MACC will allow DETCOG to serve as first responders and enable multi-agency coordination and continued operations during emergency situations, such as natural disasters, to help mitigate their impact on the community and its economy.
  
  

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The Economic Development Administration marks 50 years of public service, leading 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.