Washington, DC (February 20, 2006) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, along with fellow Members of Congress Solomon Ortiz and Henry Cuellar, will announce a $5.1 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department on Labor to South Texas College, Texas State Technical College, University of Texas at Brownsville, Laredo Community College, and University of Texas Pan America.

The grant, which is part of the WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) program, will go toward workforce development and the creation of sustainable manufacturing infrastructure in South Texas’ Rio Grande region. The plan includes the development of a rapid response manufacturing facility as well as coordinate educational initiatives to produce skilled workers and managers.