Hidalgo EDC wins more praise for securing $1.8 million for a new industrial park

HIDALGO, Texas – In an exclusive guest column for the Rio Grande Guardian, Priciliano “J.R.” Treviño, executive director of Hidalgo Economic Development Corporation, announced a $1.8 million grant from the Economic Development Administration.

Treviño said the grant will have a “transformative impact” on the City of Hidalgo, with the funds being used for the development of a new industrial park. Two hundred and fifty jobs will be created with a capital investment of $20.5 million.

Now, other VIPs have spoken about the grant.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said the EDA is investing $6.3 million in the state of Texas to support business growth and workforce development following natural disasters in the state.

Of this, Raimondo said the City of Hidalgo will receive a $1.8 million EDA grant for roadway and water infrastructure improvements to support business growth at a new industrial park. Raimondo said the project will be matched with $460,925 in local funds and is expected to create or retain more than 280 jobs and generate $20.5 million in private investment.

The remainder of the money will be spent on the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio and Angelo State University in San Angelo. The San Antonio facility will receive $2.5 million, and Angelo State University will receive a $2 million.

The projects are 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.

Raimondo said the Hidalgo project will be matched with $460,925 in local funds and is expected to create or retain more than 280 jobs and generate $20.5 million in private investment.

“Building a strong and resilient workforce is a crucial component of President Biden’s Investing In America agenda, and this investment in Texas will do just that,” Raimondo said. “We know the financial and emotional impact that natural disasters have on communities all over America. This EDA investment will ensure that Texas has the resources, infrastructure, and workforce needed to support their families, communities, and growing economy in the aftermath of these tragedies.”

Raimondo said the mission of the 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.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said: “The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally-developed strategies designed to create economic opportunity. EDA is pleased to assist San Antonio, San Angelo, and Hidalgo in their disaster recovery work to create more jobs and spur private investment in their communities that benefit the entire region.”

Gov. Greg Abbott said: “Whether it is strengthening our workforce or aiding our fellow Texans in recovery efforts, Texas continues to work tirelessly to provide the tools and resources needed for Texans and businesses to succeed and prosper. I thank the Economic Development Administration for this grant that will help create hundreds of job opportunities for hardworking Texans looking to advance in the biomedical research, commercial aviation, and infrastructure fields. Together, we will continue to recover from recent severe weather and build a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.”

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said: “Access to robust and efficient infrastructure is critical for the continued economic development in Texas. I applaud this announcement and look forward to seeing the positive impact these investments will have for business growth across Texas.”

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