$500,000 Economic Development Grant Awarded to South Texas, region will receive an additional $4.5 million over three years

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, recently announced that South Texas has been awarded a $500,000 Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) economic development grant by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). 

The grant will be used to develop a comprehensive regional development plan.  Once the plan is in place and certified by the DOL, South Texas will receive an additional $4.5 million over three years for implementation.

"South Texas holds great potential for economic expansion and development," Sen. Hutchison said.  "I am pleased to announce this important grant, which creates new employment opportunities for Texans."

The WIRED initiative brings together local colleges and universities, business groups, and workforce agencies to develop the economy and strengthen the workforce in the target regions.  The South Texas project will focus on expanding rapid response manufacturing, promoting the attainment of higher education, and creating a highly skilled workforce.