This EDA investment supports the gulf coast economic development district, INC

The Gulf Coast Economic Development District, Inc. was awarded $510,000 under the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program by the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration on March 22, 2022. The funding will support hiring a consulting firm or team to conduct a Houston-Galveston Regional Broadband Market Study and Action Plan for the 13 counties in the Gulf Coast Economic Development District region. The study and action plan will assess existing broadband needs, propose network and operational solutions, and develop implementation plans to strengthen broadband infrastructure in each county. Upon completion, the project aims to help diversify and strengthen the regional economy by overcoming inadequate broadband access. This will better position the region for technology-forward growth increasingly reliant on skills like artificial intelligence, robotics, and integrating emerging innovations into industry.

With hiring a specialized consulting firm or team of consultants to study the region's existing broadband needs, propose network and operational solutions, and develop an action plan for each of the 13 counties in the region for funding and implementation. The houston-galveston regional broadband market study and action plan will determine the need for greater investments in a tech-enabled workforce to help the region become prepared for a future increasingly reliant on rapid adaptation to emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, higher skilled hardware or software manufacturing, or the integration of these types of innovations into large institutions and industry sectors. The region's high-speed internet and telecommunications infrastructure is the critical, enabling underlying infrastructure for supporting a 21ST century workforce and innovation driven economy. With these investments, residents, businesses, and organizations in all 13 counties will have the opportunities to engage in and benefit from technology-forward economic growth. Once completed, the project will help the region overcome the lack of adequate, reliable broadband service to help diversify and strengthen the regional economy.