Texas Border Business
Rio Grande City, TX – On Monday, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that South Texas College (STC) and the Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF) received $100,000 in federal funding from U.S. Department of Commerce through the Economic Development Administration’s Technical Assistance Program. Additionally, STC, SCIF, and other partners contributed $25,0000 in local match funding. The award will be used to develop the Starr County Strategic Plan, which focuses on workforce and economic development. Once complete, the strategic plan will help diversify and boost economic development throughout the Starr County region
“Having a highly skilled workforce is one of the key components to growing our economy,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This funding will yield lasting economic benefits for businesses and people throughout Starr County by allowing South Texas College to expand upon its Workforce and Economic Development Plan, providing opportunities to educate and train both their students and their workforce. It is one of the best investments we have made for the people of South Texas.”
He continued, “ I want to thank STC Board of Trustees & President of the Starr County Industrial Foundation Rose Benavidez, South Texas College President Dr. Shirley Reed, and STC Executive Officer for External Relations Wanda Garza for their dedication to the community and the economic development of Starr county. I also thank Starr County Judge Eloy Vera and the Economic Development Administration Area Director Jorge Ayala for working so closely with these organizations to help secure this funding.”
“Our partnership with South Texas College has created immeasurable opportunities for meaningful economic development that is based on viable business recruitment and skills training,” said Rose Benavidez, President of the Starr County Industrial Foundation and Vice Chair of the South Texas College Board of Trustees. “This EDA grant will ensure that we maximize our joint efforts to strengthen our economic growth and set forth a plan to achieve a sustained level of success in Starr County and the region.”
EDA Regional Director Jorge Ayala said, “We commend South Texas College and the Starr County Industrial Foundation for developing a strategic plan for Starr County. This plan will help guide and boost economic development throughout the region.”
“South Texas College thanks the Economic Development Administration, the Starr County Industrial Foundation, and the employers and workforce in Starr County,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, President of South Texas College. “Together we continue to build the partnerships and train the high-skilled workforce that leads to meaningful employment, regional prosperity, and the sustainable improvement of communities.”
Congressman Cuellar will continue to collaborate with individuals in the public and private sectors to bring innovative solutions and federal funding to South Texas.
 announced that South Texas College (STC) and the Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF) received $100,000 in federal funding from U.S. Department of Commerce){kind=link}