On February 11, 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded a $2 million grant to the city of DeKalb, Texas, to design and construct water and sewer improvements needed to spur business growth in the city, including at the Dekalb Industrial Foundation’s 36-acre industrial site. The EDA grant will be matched with $560,000 in local investment.
“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting local strategies designed to establish the critical infrastructure they need to support business and job growth,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This project will provide the water and sewer infrastructure that DeKalb needs to facilitate economic growth.”
“While Texans persevere as COVID-19 wreaks havoc on our state, we must take steps to ensure that our communities are equipped to weather the storm,” said Senator John Cornyn. “I applaud this announcement and will continue to do everything I can to make economic growth in DeKalb a high priority.”
The project will aid in the replacement of approximately 35,000 linear feet of sewer main, replacement of approximately 108 manholes, and the installation of approximately 850 new water meters.
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the North East Texas Economic Development District (NETEDD). EDA funds NETEDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
As Per Financial Assistance Award:
Project Description:
The City proposes to provide sewer and water improvements serving the city with this project. These improvements will provide wastewater services to existing businesses, proposed new/relocated businesses, and the DeKalb Industrial Foundation.
All water meters will be replaced as part of this project. The water meter replacement coupled with the sewer main replacement will lessen operating costs for the city of DeKalb.
Project Cost: $2,559,858
Federal EDA: $2,000,000
Non-Federal: $559,858