The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $500,000 to Austin to help recover the city's economy and help local businesses as they struggle throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Helping our communities implement COVID-19 recovery efforts is a top priority for President [Donald] Trump,”  Dana Gartzke, an EDA official, said. “This investment will focus on implementing educational programs for economic developers that will better equip communities to create a more resilient economy throughout Texas.”

The grant will help the city create 225 jobs and help 284 other residents keep their jobs in addition to adding $5 million in private investments. 

"The CARES Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump, provides EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic," Gartzke said. "Per Secretary (Wilbur) Ross’ announcement, EDA began accepting applications for CARES Act Recovery Assistance funding opportunities on May 7."