Yoakum EDC updates disaster assistance supplemental program grant

Directors with the Yoakum Economic Development Corporation (YEDC) updated the status of a $3.1 million disaster assistance supplemental program grant application for Industrial Park II at a meeting Monday, May 15.

The application deadline for the grant is the end of June.

It’s not a mitigation program, but it is focused on recovery and resilience,” grant spokesperson Donald Brinkman said. “This industrial park makes the community more resilient to economic distress. Whether it comes to a winter storm or flood event, you’re able to bounce back stronger because you have a broader economic development base.”

Directors also approved extending a $5,000 grant deadline for the Yoakum Oak Grove Cemetery Association.

“There’s some revenue stream, but I am a big supporter of historic preservation in communities,” YEDC Executive Director Genora Young said. “The way you preserve the past is a pretty good indication of how you will treat the future and I’ve seen it in a lot of communities.”

In other items discussed Monday, the cities of Yoakum, Hallettsville, Moulton and Shiner are making a collaborative effort regarding the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission Regional Strategic Plan.

“The plan is not written in stone, but the goal is to adopt their entity as part of our plan,” City Manager Kevin Coleman said.

Also discussed was the upcoming job fair planned Wednesday, June 7, in Gonzales.