By Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – OCT. 23, 2024 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) announced today it received $500,000 in federal funding for its Rio Grande Valley Manufacturing Incubator, a project set to bolster advanced manufacturing and economic growth in the region.

During a press conference in Edinburg, UTRGV President Guy Bailey expressed gratitude for the support from Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, TX-15, who secured the funding through recent appropriations in Washington, D.C.

The manufacturing incubator aims to attract industry partners and foster advanced manufacturing capabilities within the region.

"We are looking at advanced manufacturing with this incubator facility. We already have industry lined up talking to us about locating here. It couldn't happen without this," Bailey said. "We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Congresswoman De La Cruz."

Bailey emphasized the transformative impact the incubator will have on both the university and the wider community.

"This project will not only have a wonderful impact on the university; it'll have an impact on the entire Rio Grande Valley," he said. "This is a gift that will produce more investment and more income down the road."

De La Cruz highlighted the importance of supporting initiatives that retain local talent and drive economic growth.

"UTRGV is always planning on growth and how they can not only help the students but also help the community," De La Cruz said. "We have such great talent here in the Rio Grande Valley, and I love supporting UTRGV because it keeps that talent right here.”

She added, "This is why I am so proud that one of the community funding projects that we chose was $500,000 for UTRGV's Rio Grande Valley Manufacturing Incubator. Congratulations."

Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. also expressed his support for the initiative and its positive impact on both the city and the university.

"Today is such an exciting morning, not just to celebrate the important funding for our city but also funding for our university," Mayor Garza said.

In addition to UTRGV's funding, the City of Edinburg received nearly $1.4 million in federal funds for the Lift Station No. 19 Force Main Realignment and Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project. This investment aims to enhance the city's wastewater infrastructure, particularly in the rapidly growing northern area, benefiting local neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and community spaces like the Boys and Girls Club.

Bailey echoed the commitment to nurturing local talent and enhancing the quality of life in the Valley.

"The entire Valley will benefit as we're able to get industry here and do advanced manufacturing. I think you'll see transformation in the Valley, and we'll keep that talent right here," he said. "We share that desire to keep our talent here and make the Valley a greater place to live for all of us."

UTRGV President Guy Bailey speaks during a press conference where federal grant funding for UTRGV and the City of Edinburg is announced on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 at the Visitors Center in Edinburg, Texas. UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy