SAN ANGELO — A federal agency is awarding a multi-million dollar grant to set up a disaster recovery headquarters in San Angelo, according to a news release.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will award $2.2 million to the Concho Valley Council of Governments (CVCOG).
“The Trump Administration is working continuously to support natural disaster recovery efforts in Texas,” Ross said. “This project will support revitalization of the San Angelo region and rebuilding of impacted communities.”
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The money will be used to purchase a building to serve as CVCOG’s regional headquarters, and the facility will provide disaster recovery and economic development services to the region, according to the release.
The EDA grant is expected to be matched with more than $550,000 in local investment.
“This investment will move CVCOG’s headquarters to a more resilient location, which will allow for critical emergency and recovery operations,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Dr. John Fleming.
“Designed to withstand severe weather events, the facility will have the capacity to remain operational in the face of future natural disasters,” he said.
Governor Greg Abbott said the facility would improve Texas’ ability to respond to natural disasters and would strengthen the Concho Valley Council of Governments’ economic development efforts throughout the region.
“Texas is grateful to the Trump Administration and Secretary Ross for this investment and for their continued partnership with the Lone Star State,” Abbott said.
Both Senator John Cornyn and Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11) thanked President Trump for prioritizing San Angelo to lead future disaster relief efforts.
“Helping Texans recover and rebuild from natural disasters has been my top priority,” said Senator John Cornyn. “I was proud to support this funding in the Senate, and I thank President Trump for prioritizing preparedness in San Angelo.”
“This announcement is fantastic news for the Concho Valley community and the entire state of Texas,” said Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11). “I applaud the Trump Administration for recognizing the important work being done by the Concho Valley Council of Governments and working with them to proactively invest in our region to ensure that we are well-equipped to manage any future natural disasters.”
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John Tufts covers enterprise and investigative topics in West Texas. Send him a news tip at [email protected]. Consider supporting West Texas journalism with a subscription to GoSanAngelo.com.
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