Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.4 million grant to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas, to support workforce development in the region.
This grant will support construction of a business incubation center, providing training, services, research and data to small businesses in the region. This EDA investment will be matched with $600,000 in local funds and is expected to create 90 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Department of Commerce is committed to building a strong, diverse, and resilient workforce in communities across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “By increasing and expanding access to resources, training, and development opportunities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, more people will be able to secure high quality, good paying jobs in the community they call home. This EDA investment boosts the local economy and creates more pathways to professional growth for workers.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to provide targeted, place-based grants designed to support local workforce development programs,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide the critical business infrastructure to help prepare residents for quality, in-demand jobs and promote economic resiliency in the region.”
“Texas continues to set new records for total jobs, with more Texans working now than any point in our history,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “By supporting the construction of a business incubation center, this grant to The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley will help provide South Texas businesses with essential training and resources and create jobs for hardworking Texans. Working together, we will continue to build an even stronger Texas workforce.”
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Texas economy, and workforce development programs help them hire skilled employees for well-paying jobs,” said Senator John Cornyn. “This award will give UTRGV the resources to help expand workforce development opportunities for small businesses in the Rio Grande Valley, and I look forward to seeing the impact it has on the local economy.”
“I’m excited for UTRGV to receive this $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. This investment will fund a business incubation center, creating 90 jobs and providing crucial training and services to small businesses in Edinburg and the greater South Texas region. Grants like this foster economic growth and job creation in our community. I thank the Economic Development Administration and local partners for making this possible. Together, we’re building a brighter future for all Texans,” said Representative Monica De La Cruz (TX-15).
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC). EDA funds LRGVDC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
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.