"We're using this money to plan and build for the future," said Jason Hilts, President and CEO of Brownsville Economic Development Council. "Our vision - both short- and long-term - is to attract and support major business expansion and job creation."
While Hilts acknowledges not all of the money has been received as of yet, he has confirmed that the majority of the funds will go to infrastructure projects: $15 million to two community health clinics, $36 million for wastewater improvement, $36 million for Port of Brownsville transportation projects, $26 million for school construction bonds, and $2 million for public housing.
"We believe that infrastructure holds the key to our future," said Gilberto Salinas, Brownsville Economic Development Council Vice President of Marketing and Communications. "We are building the foundation for amazing economic growth."
Brownsville, located in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, is a member of the Rio South Texas Economic Council, a group of economic development partners collaborating to attract private sector investment, economic diversification and business expansions in six core industry segments.
According to the US Census Bureau, Rio South Texas is the 23rd largest market in the country. The region, which makes up the largest US/Mexico border, encompasses the four southernmost counties in Texas along with the cities of Reynosa, Matamoros and Rio Bravo in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The region is also the third largest market in Texas.