Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D) announced $6 million in federal funding for a new nursing training facility in Kingsville, Texas, that will partner with Texas A&M University-Kingsville to expand healthcare education and support the regional workforce.
What will the new facility provide?
The proposed Regional Nursing Training Facility in Kleberg County will provide nursing students with hands-on training through a partnership with Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), which recently received approval to establish a College of Nursing and Health Professions.
The facility is expected to create 56 jobs and strengthen the pipeline of healthcare workers serving South Texas communities, including rural areas facing healthcare workforce needs.
TAMUK President Robert Vela: "This facility aligns with our mission to strengthen health care in rural South Texas. The simulation labs it will house will provide vital experiential learning for our nursing students, preparing them to meet the critical health needs in our rural communities."
How will the project be funded?
The facility is expected to cost approximately $7.5 million. The U.S. Economic Development Administration will provide $6 million in federal funding secured by Gonzalez, while Kleberg County will contribute a $1.5 million local match.
The facility will be located near the Kleberg County Economic Development & Training Center, a regional hub for workforce education and professional development.
Gonzalez announced the funding alongside Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid and Vela, highlighting the partnership between federal, county, and university officials.
What are local officials saying?
Gonzalez said the investment will expand nursing education opportunities while helping address regional healthcare workforce needs.
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez: "I'm proud to have secured $6 million in federal funding for this new facility and will continue to advocate for even more investments that create and retain jobs while meeting the growing healthcare needs of our communities."
Madris said the project would support nursing education across the Coastal Bend, calling it the result of collaboration among local and university leaders.
