Press Release
U.S. EDA Investment Bolsters Job Creation Efforts in Zapata, Texas
September 9, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $163,000 grant to the Zapata County Economic Development Center, Inc., of Zapata, Texas, to advance local economic development initiatives by helping to establish a Geographic Information System (GIS) capable database and conduct a market analysis and feasibility study to evaluate economic development initiatives.
"The Obama administration is committed to providing communities with the resources they need to foster job creation and business growth," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "This EDA project will enhance the ability of Zapata County to encourage economic development, engage international companies, and become globally competitive by assisting the community in making informed economic development decisions."
"Zapata County is building its capacity to engage in full scale economic development activities. This grant will provide necessary first steps on the road to economic development, alleviating poverty in the area and providing opportunities for the residents of the county. This project will implement actionable strategies to remove barriers to economic development, including improving the international trade capacity, building the capacity of small medium sized businesses, and maximizing the return on the county's unique natural resources," said Peggy Umphres Moffett, President and CEO, Zapata County Economic Development Center, Inc.
The GIS database will provide information to small and medium sized business in the area and also provide a source of information necessary for attracting larger foreign and domestic companies to this border community. The feasibility study will help the county make informed decisions about development on the 83 corridor, including activities to enhance its natural resource, Falcon Lake.
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 makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.