Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.7 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds for Water Infrastructure to Support Business Growth in Van Horn, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.7 million grant to the city of Van Horn, Texas, for construction of an elevated water storage. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will increase the city’s water capacity, alleviating inadequate water pressure, and supporting commercial, hospitality, and residential growth. The EDA investment will be matched with $481,148 in local funds and is expected to create 124 jobs, retain 225 jobs, and generate $25 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to ensuring that our communities are provided with the resources they need to diversify and grow their economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will pave the way for more businesses to establish in Van Horn, spurring private investment and creating a robust regional economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally-developed strategies designed to stimulate American innovation and entrepreneurial activity,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will attract new hospitality businesses to support the increase in tourism in the region, creating jobs and boosting Van Horn’s economy.”

“Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for investing in critical infrastructure improvements for Van Horn’s water capacity,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This grant will assist in the community’s growth, which will create jobs and economic opportunities for hardworking West Texans.”

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.