Mission, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) delivered $3 million in federal funding to Mission Economic Development Corporation (EDC). These funds, awarded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), will help develop and enhance Shary Village Industrial Park with the construction of water and sewer improvements - creating close to 300 jobs, attracting private investment, expanding manufacturing support, as well as improving the area’s resilience against future natural disasters in Hidalgo County.

“This funding is critical to strengthening our economy and expanding job growth in our South Texas border communities,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Funding will improve Shary Village Industrial Park by installing electricity, water, and roadways. Therefore, attracting future investors and support in the area. As a senior member on the Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to ensuring that federal resources reach the local level, leading to job creation and manufacturing resilience. I’d like to thank the EDA Regional Director Jorge Ayala and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, along with Mission Economic Development Corporation, the Killam family, Mayor Armando O’caña and City Council for their efforts in increasing manufacturing growth throughout the region.”

"This is a major win as we continue to see unprecedented momentum in our City. I want to commend Congressman Cuellar and our EDC for their tremendous efforts in assisting us in receiving these financial resources from the U.S. Economic Development Administration," said Mission Mayor Dr. Armando O’Caña. "The new funding positions our community for additional economic development opportunities and the money will help to enhance Shary Village Industrial Park, attracting future investors and making Mission a business investment and quality of life leader in the area.  As an overall impact this monies will serve as a continuous catalyst for both current and future growth.”

“This grant presents an exciting opportunity for our city’s economic growth, especially during a time when many of our residents are still struggling due to COVID-19,” said Daniel Silva, CEO of Mission EDC. “In addition to bringing over 300 jobs to our area, these funds will also help alleviate some long-standing drainage issues and allow us to make other infrastructure improvements that will serve our community well for years to come.”

“The critical infrastructure made possible by this grant will benefit generations of businesses that will locate at the Sharyland Business Park,” said Cliffe Killam, President and CEO of Killam Development. “It will help establish a strong economic footprint, and it will help mitigate future floods that could potentially damage or ruin these small businesses.”

The City of Mission has faced immense economic loss due to severe natural disasters, such as flooding and rain. As a result, the EDA funding will help address post-disaster recovery from the severe rain and flooding in June of 2018.

This project will primarily serve the City of Mission and Hidalgo County, encompassing approximately 130 acres ready for industrial development and international trade. The federal investment is to be matched with $750,000 in local investment from Mission EDC, and is expected to create 300 jobs, while bringing in more than $57 million in private investment.

U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA)

The mission of EDA is to promote competitiveness and prepare the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. This funding was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, which EDA funds to bring together the public and private sectors in creating an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy.