Jump to main content.

THIS IS AN ARCHIVED SITE

This site contains information that has been considered archived and will no longer be updated. Please click here to go to the CURRENT eda.gov website.

A bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce
Newsroom

Newsroom

Press Release

U.S. Commerce Department Invests $1.2 Million to Build Business Infrastructure and Create Jobs in Ingleside, Texas


WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank today announced a $1.2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to the city of Ingleside, Texas, to construct critically needed water infrastructure that will help convert the former Naval Station Ingleside to commercial use. The project is expected to attract new businesses, especially in the energy sector, and will create hundreds of new jobs, according to grantee estimates.

"This $1.2 million EDA investment in Texas is an example of the Obama administration's commitment to investing in 21st century infrastructure and supporting American jobs," said Acting Secretary Blank. "The grant announced today will help Ingleside construct new water storage and delivery systems critical to the city's ability to attract new businesses. With this new infrastructure in place, Ingleside and the surrounding Nueces and San Patricio counties have the potential to create jobs in the energy industry and support the region's economic growth."

"The 2005 Base Realignment and Closing Commission (BRAC) decision to close Naval Station Ingleside hurt the local economy, which is one reason I insisted the base be transferred, at no cost, to the redevelopment authority," Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison said. "The community has rallied to find new and creative economic opportunities and this development grant will help keep the recovery on track and make the site more attractive to new uses."

"A long-term water supply in Ingleside allows the city to sustain manufacturing growth from companies like Kiewit Offshore and Gulf Marine Fabricators while transitioning the Naval Station for civilian use," Representative Blake Farenthold said. "This stimulates the local economy, helps meet the world's energy needs, and lowers the price of gasoline."

The EDA grant will help fund construction of new groundwater systems as well as a new state-of-the-art elevated water storage tank. The improvements will assure long-term access to water supplies so that they are sufficient to meet the needs of both existing residential consumers and the new businesses that are expected to move into the renovated Naval Station.

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.