Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $700,000 to Support a Multi-Purpose Community Facility in Brownsville, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $700,000 grant to the city of Brownsville, Texas, to renovate a former warehouse to create the Cannery Public Market, a multi-purpose community building in the Mitte Cultural District. This EDA grant will be matched with $1.1 million in local investment.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to provide the vital infrastructure that businesses need to be successful,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will create the Cannery Public Market to increase access to healthy food, develop health education initiatives, and provide space for entrepreneurial opportunities through a community kitchen.”

“Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for investing in the city of Brownsville,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The proposed Cannery Public Market in the Mitte Cultural District will foster strong community development and bring a variety of opportunities for entrepreneurs to the Rio Grande Valley.”

“While Texans 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 applaud this announcement and will continue to do everything I can to make economic growth in Brownsville a high priority.”

“This is excellent news for the City of Brownsville, which has worked to bring this project to the community and will greatly benefit children and families,” said Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34). “The Cannery Public Market project has been a vision of the city’s for the last several years and I have been proud to offer my support in order to bring their vision to life. I am pleased that the Economic Development Administration is supporting this project, which will create a new home for the Brownsville Farmer’s Market and offer residents a new place for our community to gather and have access to local, healthy and nutritious food options.”

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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.