U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.3 Million to Support Economic Growth in Midland, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.3 million grant to the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission (PBRPC) in Midland, Texas to support economic development and growth in the region.

This grant will support building renovations at PBRPC’s regional facility, which provides economic development and planning services for 17 local counties. This EDA investment will be matched with $300,000 in local funds.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing the necessary resources so that communities in Texas and across the country can reach their full economic potential,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will help provide the infrastructure for economic growth, planning, and small businesses development in the Permian Basin –creating a strong and resilient regional economy.”

“The U.S. Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and External Affairs Cristina Killingsworth. “This project will enhance economic planning and job-creating development activities in the Permian Basin to support growth in 17 local counties.”

“Supporting economic development organizations across Texas is crucial so our state’s economy can continue to thrive,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This grant will help provide much-needed renovations to the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission's regional facility to support businesses across West Texas as they grow and prosper. I thank the Economic Development Administration for working with our local communities in every corner of the state to help them flourish in the economy of tomorrow.”

“Access to robust and efficient infrastructure is critical for continued economic development in Midland and throughout West Texas,” said Senator John Cornyn. “I applaud this announcement and look forward to seeing the positive impact these investments will have for business growth in 17 counties across the Permian Basin.”

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.