WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $48 million in the state of Texas to help it prepare for natural disasters and promote economic resiliency and business growth.

The city of Seadrift will receive $3.45 million to help construct a new bulkhead, rock riprap, and jetty, and to aid channel dredging efforts at the Seadrift Municipal Harbor. The grant, to be located in a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act designated Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $862,500 in local funds and is expected to help create 40 jobs, and retain 90 jobs.

“The city of Seadrift will be able to increase the dredging operations and bulkheading in their harbor thanks to this grant,” Representative Michael Cloud (TX-27).

“Dredging is vital to the safety of the ships that come in and out as they import and export millions of dollars in Texas products. I was pleased to write a letter of support for Seadrift’s grant application. This is a win for their economy.”