Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds for Water and Road Improvements to Boost Industrial Job Growth in Matagorda County, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the Matagorda Waste Disposal & Water Supply Corporation, Matagorda, Texas, to support industrial growth in Matagorda County. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will provide critical infrastructure to support a new 42-acre industrial park, which will provide opportunities for industrial growth and support job creation. This EDA grant will be matched with $375,000 in local funds.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan offers direct relief to American communities as they work to respond to and recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support Matagorda County in development of a new industrial park, creating a diverse and resilient regional economy.”

“Economic Development Administration investments play an important role in advancing locally-led strategies that drive workforce and business expansion efforts to create stronger regional economies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will result in increased industrial capacity in Matagorda County, attracting new businesses and bringing additional jobs to the community.”

“Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for this generous grant that will bring jobs and economic opportunities to Texans in Matagorda County,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This investment in the Coastal Bend will keep driving our workforce development and create a stronger economy for Texans living in the Matagorda community.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.

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.