Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2 Million to Make Critical Infrastructure Improvements to Support Business Growth in Crockett, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million grant to the city of Crockett, Texas, to make critical broadband and natural gas infrastructure improvements at the city’s industrial park. The EDA grant, to be matched with $500,000 in local investment, is expected to create or retain more than 70 jobs and spur $3.1 million in private investment.

“President Trump understands that reliable and modern infrastructure is essential to business development and success,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This project will provide the vital, modern natural gas infrastructure necessary to businesses in Crockett’s industrial park. Additionally, the updated infrastructure will enhance broadband capabilities to ensure the region’s economy is resilient to future severe weather events.”

“The city of Crockett, Texas was severely impacted by heavy rains and floods in October of 2018,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This project will promote economic resilience by providing enhanced broadband and natural gas line infrastructure needed to advance business growth in the region and attract new businesses to the area.”

“These infrastructure improvements to the city’s industrial park will ensure greater economic growth, more jobs for Texans, and a brighter future for the people of Crockett,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “I thank Secretary Ross and our federal partners for their continued investment in Texas’ success. Working together, we will bring greater prosperity to the city of Crockett and communities throughout the Lone Star State.”

“While Texans continue to persevere as COVID-19 wreaks havoc on our state, we must take steps to ensure that our communities are equipped to weather the storm,” said Senator John Cornyn. “I’m grateful to the Trump Administration for continuing to make recovery in Crockett a high priority.”

“The people of East Texas have endured a lot of hardship over the past couple of years, but they remain strong,” said Senator Ted Cruz. “This investment provides essential support to modernize Crockett’s infrastructure, which will help mitigate future disasters and provide job security in the community for years to come.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, which EDA funds to 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 by the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-20) (PDF), which provided EDA with $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF) funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas affected by Hurricanes Florence, Michael, and Lane, Typhoons Yutu and Mangkhut, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and other major natural disasters occurring in calendar year 2018, and tornadoes and floods occurring in calendar year 2019, under the Robert T. Stafford Act. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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.