U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced Thursday that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) to construct a 30,000 sq. ft. office building at the East Montgomery County Industrial Park in New Caney. The grant will help to facilitate job creation and retention. EMCID is matching the grant with $375,000 in local funds.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to provide additional office and warehousing space to businesses that want to expand or relocate to our area,” said Frank McCrady, EMCID President/CEO. “One of the challenges many businesses face is finding available office space. In East Montgomery County, for example, there is nothing in the 10,000 sq. ft. range where you have space for offices and a warehouse or manufacturing. So our plan is to build the shell and all of the infrastructure and then subdivide it to fit the needs of several businesses.”
McCrady added there are already several companies that have expressed interest in leasing space.
“Leveraging our local funds by bringing federal dollars to EMC has been a goal of ours, and now federal dollars will help the ongoing growth of our area,” said McCrady.
The project is funded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, in which Congress appropriated $600 million to the EDA for disaster relief and recovery as a result of several natural disasters in 2017, including Hurricane Harvey, which devastated many parts of the greater Houston area.
“The Trump Administration is continuing to help rebuild Texas, facilitating the state’s recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “By expanding the office space available in New Caney, East Montgomery County businesses will be able to grow and employ more of the local workforce.”
Governor Greg Abbott said he was grateful for the continued support of the Texas communities affected by Harvey.
“Since day one, the federal government has worked closely with the state of Texas and local leaders to help rebuild our communities and provide economic development assistance. This $1.5 million in grant funding is another critical step forward that will help boost the economy and create more jobs for Texans impacted by the storm,” said Governor Abbott.
“After Harvey, Texas showed our resilience in the face of setbacks and our determination to come back stronger than ever,” said Congressman Kevin Brady. “Texas is the nation’s number one exporter, and this new investment in Texas’ future will not only help the local residents but the overall economic health of our country. I thank the Administration for their continued support, and I look forward to seeing the growth and opportunity that this grant will bring to our workers and community.”
EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application’s merit, the applicant’s eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDA’s grant process and investment process can be found at www.eda.gov.