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U.S. Economic Development Administration Invests $400,000 to Help Stimulate Business Development and Job Growth in Zapata County, Texas

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Wednesday, February 12, 2014


WASHINGTON — The U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $400,000 grant to the Zapata Economic Development Corporation (ZDEC) of Zapata County, Texas. The investment will increase the ZDEC’s capacity to spur job creation and private investment in the county through the development of regional partnerships, the analysis of regional economic assets, and by providing business with the technical assistance they need to grow and thrive.

“EDA’s investment in Zapata County will play a crucial role in enabling this community to build a critical foundation for future growth,” said U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Matt Erskine. “The potential for economic growth in Zapata and counties like it is there, and EDA is proud to help provide the means to allow this community to reach its full economic potential.”

Zapata, a rural county with a population of just over 14,000, has one of the highest poverty rates in the state. EDA’s investment is intended to develop capacity for individuals, enterprises, organizations, and institutions to perform functions more effectively and efficiently. According to the grantee, this capacity will enable the county to reduce poverty and rebuilt its economy by giving it a competitive advantage and more control over its own future.

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.