Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million for Infrastructure Improvements in Port Lavaca, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the City of Port Lavaca, Texas, to make infrastructure improvements needed to support businesses at the Harbor of Refuge, which was damaged by Hurricane Harvey. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to retain 30 jobs and generate $250,000 in private investment.

“The Trump Administration has labored every day to help the communities of Texas recover in the wake of Hurricane Harvey,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “Through the diligent efforts of local leaders, Port Lavaca’s businesses will receive critical support, generating private investment and improving the region’s economy.”

“Getting local businesses back up and running in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey has been a top priority, and today’s grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to Port Lavaca will further invigorate those efforts,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “I thank Secretary Ross and his Department for their investment in the Harbor of Refuge and the Port Lavaca community, and we will continue to support our local businesses as they work to return to full operation.”

“I’m excited to see this federal grant coming into our district as it provides important hurricane relief while preserving jobs and stimulating private investment,” said Congressman Michael Cloud.

The Harbor of Refuge was directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey when the city experienced a substantial storm surge, resulting in widespread flooding throughout the community. Replacing a bulkhead and making other critical improvements to the harbor will not only aid the four existing companies housed there, but it will also attract other commercial tenants. In addition, this project will include replacing the elevated unloaded platform, which is required for removing products from barges.

This project is funded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) (PDF), in which Congress appropriated to EDA $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF) funds for disaster relief and recovery as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, wildfires, and other calendar year 2017 natural disasters under the Stafford Act.

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.