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BASTROP — The Bastrop Economic Development Corporation is pursuing a federal grant that would fund infrastructure improvements at the city’s industrial park while helping fulfill a commitment to a planned jet engine factory.
The BEDC board voted in June to apply for a $3 million federal grant to cover water, wastewater and road infrastructure improvements throughout the Bastrop Industrial Park. The improvements would make 93 acres of land shovel-ready for future industrial development while meeting the city’s commitment to provide Acutronic with a development- ready site.
The total project cost is estimated at $5 million, with the remaining $2 million funded by the BEDC through a 40% local match.
Business and Community Development Manager Jill Strube said the BEDC originally pursued a different grant requiring a smaller local contribution but determined it was unlikely to be competitive.
“We’re back this time to revise the commitment to provide for a 40% match,” Strube said.
Timing drove the board’s decision, with Strube saying submission before the end of June was necessary to be considered in the current review cycle.
About $1 million of the local match is expected to come from an amendment to the BEDC’s agreement with Acutronic, under which the city would assume responsibility for infrastructure work the company had originally been slated to oversee.
Board members noted the BEDC would have no obligation to provide matching funds if the grant application is unsuccessful.
