MIDLAND, Texas — $2.3 million of support is coming from D.C. to the Permian Basin.
The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded a grant to the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission (PBRPC) to help economic development and growth in the region.
The PBRPC's aging facility is now set for renovations that will help more than just an old building.
“It’s dated [and] it’s time to make an investment...we have multiple beneficiaries of this facility and of this agency’s services," said Virginia Belew, executive director of the PBRPC.
The PBRPC serves 17 counties in the region and many member agencies within them.
“Our membership, our counties and cities come together to plan how those funds will be spent, how those resources will be allocated and how we plan to address problems that we can at the regional level," Belew said.
For the Permian Basin, it’s key to be on the same page.
“We face the same issues, the same challenges and the same opportunities, so if we plan together, we can make sure that we don’t duplicate effort and that we combine our resources where we can," Belew said.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott shared the following statement on the PBRPC being awarded the grant:
"Supporting economic development organizations across Texas is crucial so our state’s economy can continue to thrive. This grant will help provide much-needed renovations to the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission's regional facility to support businesses across West Texas as they grow and prosper." - Greg Abbott, Texas governor
PBRPC will use the grant money to renovate its current space to be more efficient and useful.
“This facility is important -- we provide training opportunities, the platform for our agencies, our membership and many entities in the region to come together here," Belew said.
An investment in a regional centerpiece that aims to improve its service for the future.
“We were able to prove that we’re doing some very positive work out there, trying to bring communities together, keeping up with economic development trends and advocating for our region – for the economy of our region, for our workforce, for our leadership and our communities as a whole," Belew said.
Texas Senator John Cornyn shared the following statement on the PBRPC being awarded the grant:
“Access to robust and efficient infrastructure is critical for continued economic development in Midland and throughout West Texas. I applaud this announcement and look forward to seeing the positive impact these investments will have for business growth in 17 counties across the Permian Basin." - John Cornyn, Texas senator