U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million to Support Tourism and Business Growth in Cuero, Texas

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the Cuero Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture & Visitor's Bureau in Cuero, Texas, to support tourism and business growth in the region.

This grant will renovate an existing building to create a visitor's center, events space, and multipurpose center to house workforce training and business support services. This EDA investment will be matched with $287,500 in local funds and is expected to create and retain 105 jobs and generate $25 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, today, economically distressed communities in Texas and across the country have more opportunities and resources to invest in their workers and businesses than ever before," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "This EDA investment is an important example of Commerce's work in action to empower communities with the economic tools they need to succeed, and will provide the infrastructure to support local businesses, grow jobs, and promote tourism in Cuero."

"The U.S. Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic growth, investing in the infrastructure that allows communities to chart their best path forward," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. "This project will support both tourism and business development in the region, helping to diversify the local economy."

"Texas is the premier travel destination in the nation thanks to the exceptional work of our tourism industry," said Governor Greg Abbott. "This grant will help attract more in state and out-of-state travelers to visit the City of Cuero and bolster the local economy. I thank the Economic Development Administration for this investment in Texas' robust tourism industry, and I look forward to seeing Cuero offer Texans and travelers a unique experience that can't be found anywhere else in the world."

Access to robust and efficient infrastructure is critical for the continued economic development in Texas," said Senator John Cornyn. "I applaud this announcement and look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have for businesses and tourism in Cuero."

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 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.