Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.4 Million to Support Roadway Infrastructure in Fairfield and Cleburne to Boost Business Growth in Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $2.4 million in the state of Texas to make critical roadway improvements needed to support current and future business needs.

“President Biden is committed to ensuring that the United States once again leads the world across the board in infrastructure,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “These EDA investments will allow the cities of Cleburne and Fairfield to improve roadway infrastructure to support businesses and create good-paying jobs for local citizens.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally-developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “EDA is pleased to assist Cleburne and Fairfield in their work to provide the infrastructure that their businesses need to grow and thrive.”

“As our economy continues to expand in Texas, so does our need for strong infrastructure,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for this investment to support critical roadway improvements for Texans who live and work in Cleburne and Fairfield.”

“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 across Texas a high priority.”

“I am a proponent of investments that will benefit the taxpayers and support economic prosperity,” said Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17). “I believe road improvement projects like this will greatly serve local residents and continue to make Central Texas one of the most attractive regions for business in the nation.”

The EDA investments announced today are:

• The city of Cleburne, Texas, will receive a $1.4 million EDA grant to connect two segments of Sparks Drive and improve highway access for industrial companies. The project, to be matched with $1.4 million in state funds, is expected to create 300 jobs and generate $60 million in private investment.
• Fairfield Economic Development Corporation, Fairfield, Texas, will receive a $950,000 EDA grant to make improvements to the Old Mexia-Fairfield Road to support a new industrial park, promoting job growth and private investment. The project, to be matched with $627,410 in local funds is expected to create 14 jobs and generate $9 million in private investment.

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.