Investing $1.5 million to create a historical museum on South Padre Island
Texas Border Affairs
WASHINGTON DC. – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides a $1.5 million grant to the City of South Padre Island, Texas, for the construction of the South Padre Island Historical Museum. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.
This project will support the local tourism industry by bringing new visitors to the town and its businesses through this new local attraction on South Padre Island. This EDA grant will be matched with $375,000 in local funds and is expected to generate $1.2 million in private investment, according to recipient estimates.
“This project will boost tourism and attract new visitors to South Padre Island while providing economic stability to the region.”
“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to develop projects to stimulate the local economy”, said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will support the development of a cultural, heritage and maritime museum that will attract tourists to the region while creating new jobs and economic opportunities.
“The Economic Development Authority’s investment will help create new jobs and economic opportunities for the South Padre Island community, while honoring the town’s rich history,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The South Padre Island Historical Museum will serve generations of Texans to come as a cultural and historic symbol and help educate new visitors about the area’s heritage as we continue to boost our tourism and regional economies. in the Lone Star State.”
This project is funded through the EDA’s competitive $240 million American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. The EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to the 50 states and territories. Both programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities dependent on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. Effective May 26, 2022, the EDA has officially closed all of its US bailout programs for applications. Funding for the $3 billion program will be provided on an ongoing basis through September 30, 2022.
About the United States Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing regions across the country for growth and success in the global economy. An agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration to create jobs for American workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
