Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced today that the Zapata County Economic Development Corporation (ZEDC) has earned a competitive federal grant in the amount of $400,000 that will fund a part of the Zapata Economic Capacity Building Initiative. 

The fund will be used to increase the region's competitiveness, map the region's assets and develop a list of target industries that will drive economic growth. In addition, ZEDC will identify and develop strategies to address weaknesses in workforce training, infrastructure, and other critical areas that have previously inhibited economic development in Zapata County.

“I am very happy to announce this investment in Zapata County and look forward to seeing the transformative impact it will have on the community,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “Zapata has huge untapped potential for growth and this funding will pave the way for an increased profile for the County for economic investment.  More growth in Zapata means more businesses, more jobs, and more opportunities.  I congratulate the Zapata Economic Development Corporation and the County for their dedication in making Zapata a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“This funding is all about the future, not the past,” said Peggy Umphres Moffett, President & CEO of the ZEDC. “This EDA grant helps ZEDC and its partners address the challenges of a sluggish economy and help businesses grow. It is a unique opportunity for ZEDC to demonstrate the positive benefits of unique zoning authority given to Zapata County by the Texas Legislature that no other county has, as a tool for economic development and an example of a rural county innovating.   Increasing community cooperation and public-private partnerships is a way to leverage federal, state and local funds to create diverse job opportunities, increase median incomes and improve the quality of life for the county's citizens, both young and old.”

“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.”

"I would like to congratulate the Zapata County EDC on the receipt of their grant award from the EDA,” said Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmel.  “That funding will play a crucial role in the continued operation of their ongoing projects.  We look forward to seeing the benefits of all their efforts."

As part of the grant project, the Zapata EDC will develop a centralized GIS enabled database for mapping, community information and resources, business information, local assets and economic data of the Zapata County and the broader region that will achieve significant improvements in accessing financial resources, services, and opportunities available to the community and business.  A selection of the GIS maps may be found here: http://www.zapataedc.com/PublicGallery/maps.html.

EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the applicant's eligibility, the application's merit, and the availability of funds. More information on EDA's grant process and investment priorities can be found at www.eda.gov.