Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests to Spur Small Business Development in Hurricane Harvey-Impacted Dickinson, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to Dickinson Economic Development Corporation in Texas, to help establish the Gulf Coast Market by renovating a storm-damaged, 30,000 sq. ft., building. The EDA grant, to be matched with $1.3 million in local investment, is expected to help create nearly 400 jobs.

“The Trump Administration is committed to helping communities rebuild in the wake of natural disasters,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The new market will help fuel a thriving small business hub in an area experiencing economic distress due to Hurricane Harvey.”

“The establishment of a Gulf Coast Market in Dickinson will bring tremendous economic development to the community and expedite ongoing recovery efforts in the area,” said Governor Abbott. “I am grateful to our partners at the U.S. Department of Commerce for investing in this community and providing tremendous support to Harvey-affected cities like Dickinson.”

“Nearly two years after Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas, there’s no question our hardest-hit communities are still rebuilding,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m thankful to the Trump Administration for providing this federal grant to the Dickinson Economic Development Corporation for building renovations, creating local jobs in and restoring normalcy for Texans after the storm.”

“Small businesses are the engine that keeps the economy healthy and growing. In a city as hard-hit as Dickinson, this grant will provide a much-needed jumpstart to our economic engine,” said Congressman Randy K. Weber (R-Friendswood). “I am excited to see how Dickinson Economic Development Corporation will grow and develop in the region with this investment.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Gulf Coast Economic Development District. EDA funds Gulf Coast Economic Development District to help bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

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.