Mission, TX-- Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) and Filemon Vela (TX-34) announced $374,580 in federal funds for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. These funds, awarded through the USDA Rural Development grant program, will assist the University in providing resources and guidance to rural counties across South Texas regarding economic development.

“Expanding economic opportunities for rural South Texas is critical to the strength of our economy as a whole,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This funding will ensure that people, specifically socially-disadvantaged groups, have the necessary resources and skills that will empower them to bring economic growth. As a member of the Agricultural Subcommittee on Appropriations, I will continue to fund programs that will help our economy prosper throughout South Texas.”

“I would like to thank UTRGV President Guy Bailey and the rest of his staff for their dedication to bettering our community through the power of education. I also want to thank Congressmen Gonzalez and Vela for making economic development in the Rio Grande Valley a central priority for them in Congress.”

“Small businesses are the backbone and future of the American economy,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “It is my hope that these funds will help small businesses in rural areas of the 15th District of Texas succeed. As long as I am a member of Congress, I will fight for policies that encourage economic growth and help our business community flourish.”

“Investments in small business development are critical to improving the livelihood of South Texans,” said Representative Vela. “USDA’s grant award will allow UTRGV to continue to deliver research, education, and community engagement opportunities for our rural communities. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I know firsthand the important role these grants play in understanding our local needs and finding creative ways to address them. I thank the UTRGV team for their steadfast commitment to advancing rural communities and congratulate them on this well-deserved funding award.”

Colin M. Cain, Director of UTRGV Texas Rural Cooperative Center and PI for both projects said, “These critical funds will accelerate economic development in rural counties throughout South Texas, particularly among high-need groups.  We are excited to leverage UTRGV’s innovative approach to business and agricultural development for the benefit of our local communities.” 

Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant 

UTRGV will receive $174,856 to provide targeted technical assistance to socially-disadvantaged groups throughout rural South Texas.  Specifically, funding will help to increase the capacity of small-scale Latina agricultural producers to (1) improve understanding of new direct-marketing strategies to increase farm income, (2) adopt innovative technologies and embrace high-demand native crops.

Rural Cooperative Development Grant 

UTRGV will also receive $199,724 in federal funds through the USDA’s Rural Development Rural Cooperative Development Grants. These funds will support the work of the Texas Rural Cooperative Center, which since 2002 has addressed economic conditions of rural Texas by assisting with the startup, expansion, and operational improvement of rural businesses, cooperatives and mutually-owned businesses. This 2019 project will boost rural South Texas economy through creation and expansion of rural businesses, private sector financing, and use of innovative technologies.  

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