U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.4 Million to Support Industrial Park Development and Economic Resiliency in Kleberg County, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.4 million grant to Kleberg County, Texas, to boost industrial business growth in response to recent natural disasters.

This grant will advance the development of a new industrial park and transportation hub. This EDA investment will be matched with $350,000 in local funds and is expected to create 2,500 jobs and generate $1 billion in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is a commitment to communities in Texas and across the country to deliver the resources needed to grow strong, resilient regional economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support development of a new industrial park in Kleberg County to spur new business and job growth.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support place-based economic development,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will support Kleberg County in attracting new industry, creating a stronger regional economy.”

“Texas continues to provide the resources needed for Texans and businesses to rebuild and move forward from recent storms that impacted our state,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “I thank the Economic Development Administration for this grant that will help create thousands of good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans in Kleberg County and bolster economic investment in Southeast Texas. Together, we will continue to recover from severe weather and build a bigger, better Texas.”

“In the aftermath of a natural disaster, every day counts,” said Senator John Cornyn. “This award will give Kleberg County the resources to help businesses swiftly rebuild, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these investments will have on the Coastal Bend.”

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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.