City of El Paso finalist for multi-million dollar economic development grant

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Economic Development Administration named the City of El Paso as one of 22 finalists for the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program.

The program tries to connect workers with quality jobs. As a finalist, El Paso is already part of Phase 1 of the program, which introduces a comprehensive regional strategy for El Paso.

The strategy would focus on underemployment among people ages 25 to 54 by partnering with economic, healthcare, educational, and information technology businesses and entities and using community partners to engage underserved areas.

“This is only the first step in strengthening our long-term economic growth; but more importantly we know our community and our people deserve the opportunity to find good-paying jobs that transform their family’s trajectory and revolutionizes our community," El Paso mayor Oscar Leeser is quoted as saying in a news release sent out Wednesday.

Next the city is competing to be part of Phase 2 of the program. If accepted, the city would become eligible for $20 million to $50 million investments.