BROWNSVILLE, Texas –Congressman Filemon Vela (D-TX) announced today that U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration will provide a grant to the Port of Brownsville. The port will be awarded $1.8 million for the assembly of a Public Vessel Assembly and Erection Pad (PAD) which will assist businesses in the ship-building industry.

“This infrastructure project is critical to the continued economic development of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. It will create jobs and bring private investment to the area,” Rep. Vela said. “I look forward to continuing my work alongside congressional colleagues and local leaders to ensure that South Texas has the needed resources to keep moving forward.”

“This grant demonstrates the federal government’s confidence in the Port of Brownsville and its role in helping create 700 high-paying new jobs for our community, while facilitating a new industry for the state of Texas — shipbuilding,” said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman John Reed. “This investment in infrastructure reinforces that Brownsville is the port that works, with ships built here stamped ‘Made in Texas’ for the world to see.”

According to estimates, the project is expected to create and retain 700 jobs and generate $3 million in private investment.

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