Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas — U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Rep. Monica De La Cruz announced a $6 million Economic Development Administration grant for the City of McAllen to expand infrastructure at its industrial park, a project officials said is expected to attract private investment and create nearly 500 jobs.
The federal funding will help build roads, water, sewer and other public infrastructure needed to support expansion of the city’s 47-acre industrial park. Officials said the project is backed by $34 million in private investment.
In exclusive comments to Texas Border Business, De La Cruz said:
“I joined Secretary Lutnick to announce $6 million in funding for the City of McAllen as we mark this exciting new chapter for our community. What begins here today has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs and give South Texas families the foundation to thrive. This is what effective leadership looks like, and I will continue working to bring federal dollars home to South Texas.” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz
During the announcement at GE Aerospace in McAllen, De La Cruz said the investment would benefit the entire Rio Grande Valley.
“Today is not just about the $6 million grant coming from the federal government that I was proud to support. It’s about what that $6 million will do—not only for the City of McAllen, but for the entire Rio Grande Valley,” she said, adding that the investment will create jobs, expand economic opportunity and strengthen the regional economy.
Lutnick said the grant is intended to prepare McAllen for future manufacturing growth.
“Today, I’m excited to announce a $6 million grant from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to help the City of McAllen expand its industrial capacity and prepare for the next generation of manufacturing, trade, and investment,” he said.
He said the project combines federal funding with private investment. “You have $40 million investing in infrastructure in McAllen, and that’s what will launch you to the next generation of more factories,” Lutnick said, adding that the project is expected to create at least 500 jobs.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said the investment extends beyond the city.
“They’re not just helping McAllen—they’re helping the entire Rio Grande Valley, from Rio Grande City to Brownsville,” Villalobos said. “We are one region, and we’re excited to receive this support.”
Villalobos said the industrial park will help attract additional employers while supporting existing businesses. “We know about the creation of new jobs, enhancing what we already have, and of course, also keeping whatever we have already,” he said.
According to background information released with the announcement, De La Cruz has helped secure more than $50 million in federal resources since taking office and has requested more than $40 million for projects across Texas’ 15th Congressional District for fiscal year 2027.
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