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Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) announced that the City of El Paso has been selected as a finalist for Phase 1 of the Economic Development Administration’s FY23 Recompete Pilot Program.

Authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, the Recompete Pilot Program is a key part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. 

Recompete will invest $200 million in economic and workforce development projects that connect workers to good jobs in geographically diverse and persistently distressed communities across the country.

“I’m thrilled that the City of El Paso, in partnership with Workforce Solutions Borderplex, has been selected as one of twenty-two finalists for Phase 1 of the Economic Development Administration’s FY23 Recompete Pilot Program and awarded $500,000,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “The selection of the City of El Paso’s grant application amid over 500 other applicants was a testament to its strength, and I was proud to provide a letter of support earlier this year. As the City deservedly celebrates this award that will further enhance the development of the Borderplex Region Workforce Recompete Initiative, I look forward to continuing to assist in any way I can to ensure a competitive application for Phase 2.”

“Recompete helps fulfill President Biden’s promise that no community in America will be left behind as we continue to grow our nation’s economy and invest in American workers,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These Recompete finalists and grant recipients have presented a wide range of inspiring solutions to create jobs, develop long-term economic growth, and realize the full potential in communities that for too long have been overlooked or counted out.”

“These outstanding Recompete finalists and strategy development grant recipients exemplify the focused employment and job creation strategies required to address the unique, long-standing needs of communities,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “We look forward to supporting these communities as they work to reduce the employment gap and establish models for long-term economic growth we can apply across America.”

The Phase 1 finalists were selected from more than 500 applications from lead applicants representing nonprofits, local government, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and tribal government and organizations. Together, the 22 Phase 1 Finalists represent nearly $800 million in preliminary funding requests that will be refined in their Phase 2 applications.

You can read more about the EDA's announcement here and learn about the City of El Paso’s grant application here.