(December 23, 2008)—A local economic development agency is set to receive a grant aimed at creating jobs in Central Texas, Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, said.

The Heart of Texas Economic Development District will receive $150,000 that will “assist in implementing a comprehensive regional economic development strategy that supports private capital investment and job creation in the region, ” Cornyn said in the press release announcing the funding.

The Heart of Texas Economic Development District is made up of Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties; its focus is to bring public and private sectors together in an effort to develop, strengthen and diversify the Central Texas economy.

The award comes through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Cornyn says the grant will help strengthen the economy in Central Texas.

"This…will expand employment and small business investment…this is important to ensuring that Central Texas remains a catalyst of economic activity, ” Cornyn said in the release.

“This is good news for the future of the economy, workforce development and investment in these Central Texas counties.”