U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $6.9 Million to Support Workforce Training and Port Operations in Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $6.9 million in the state of Texas to support workforce training and port operations.

• Rockdale Independent School District, Rockdale, will receive a $5.3 million EDA grant to renovate the former Rockdale Memorial Hospital to create a career and technical education center for students and adults. This EDA investment will be matched with $1.3 million in local funds and is expected to create 53 jobs and generate $41 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

• Port Isabel San Benito Navigation District, Port Isabel, will receive a $1.6 million EDA grant to complete port improvements that will enhance berthing capabilities and provide business support. This EDA investment will be matched with $399,050 in local funds and is expected to create or retain more than 1,000 jobs and generate $1 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“Building a stronger, more resilient workforce is critical to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. We know that American workers fuel our country’s economic competitiveness and that’s why we are committed to ensuring that all communities have the resources and infrastructure needed to grow and prosper,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments will provide workforce training and business support in Rockdale and Port Isabel, spurring private investment and strengthening the regional economies.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic development,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “These investments will bolster workforce development and the port industry in former coal communities, creating new job opportunities while diversifying the economy.”

“Texas remains the Best State for Business thanks to our diverse and highly skilled workforce,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “These grants in Rockdale and Port Isabel will help make critical improvements to our infrastructure, creating over a thousand good-paying jobs, bolstering economic development in Central and South Texas, and equipping young Texans with the skills they need to thrive in high-demand industries. I thank the Economic Development Administration for this investment that will lead to more economic growth as we work to build a bigger, better Texas.”

“Whether by land or sea, South Texas is a vital commercial gateway for our nation,” said Representative Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34). “This funding will greatly improve our commercial and maritime infrastructure in Port Isabel by allowing it to better handle incoming cargo all while creating new jobs and workforce training opportunities. Thank you to U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, for her continued dedication to South Texas and for helping address the immediate needs of our region.”

These projects are funded under the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) initiative, through which EDA awards funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal. ACC projects support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.

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.