How Does $130 Million in Stimulus Money Get Spent?

EDINBURG, Texas, May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Some have called it "money from heaven." Others call it "free money." Most agree that stimulus funds are a boon to communities across this nation, particularly smaller cities like Brownsville, Texas. The largest community in Rio South Texas is slated to receive some $130 million of the total $787 billion dispersed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"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."

Fund Recipients

Not all of the money has been received at this point, but the majority of the funds will go to infrastructure projects.

• $15 million to two community health clinics
• $46 million for wastewater improvement projects
• $36 million for Port of Brownsville transportation projects
• $26 million in school construction bonds
• $2 million to curb drug smuggling and violence along the border
• $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 U.S. Census Bureau, Rio South Texas is the 23rd largest market in the country. The region, which makes up the largest U.S./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.

SOURCE Rio South Texas Economic Council

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