U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.5 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds for Water Infrastructure Improvements to Boost Manufacturing Business Growth in Gregory, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.5 million grant to the city of Gregory, Texas, for water infrastructure improvements needed to spur business growth. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will create improved water service and expanded capacity to support manufacturing and industrial business growth and job creation in the region. The EDA investment will be matched with $626,000 in local funds and is expected to create 2,000 jobs, 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 support a growing manufacturing economy in Gregory, creating jobs and spurring private investment in the community.”

“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 provide reliable, increased water service to support new manufacturing businesses, growing the regional economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration's grant to Gregory will help the city make important water infrastructure improvements contributing to business growth and job creation in the region,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This opportunity will help hardworking Texans in the Gulf Coast community thrive and flourish.”

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.