Congressman Gonzalez Delivers $6 Million in Federal Funds for a New Regional Nursing Training Facility
Kleberg County, Texas A&M University-Kingsville partnership to strengthen Coastal Bend’s health care workforce
Contact: Alexis Torres
Kingsville, Texas—Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) was joined by Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid and Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) President Dr. Robert Vela to announce $6 million in federal funding he secured for Kleberg County to construct a Regional Nursing Training Facility in Kingsville. Once completed, this facility will operate in partnership with TAMUK, which recently received approval to establish a College of Nursing and Health Professions, to provide nursing students with hands-on experience, strengthen the pipeline of local healthcare workers, and create an estimated 56 new jobs.
“The construction of a Regional Nursing Training Facility will have an immense impact on the health and well-being of Kleberg County. By providing accessible, high-quality nursing education through Texas A&M University-Kingsville, we are strengthening critical community partnerships and expanding the supply of skilled health care workers serving the region. 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,” said Congressman Gonzalez.
“What an honor and a privilege it is to be working hand in hand with Congressman Vicente Gonzales and Dr. Robert Vela (TAMUK) on such a prestigious project! This facility will provide skilled nursing training that will support the entire coastal bend for generations. Outstanding teamwork and superb congressional leadership! What started as a dream has turned into reality,” said Judge Madrid.
“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 care needs in our rural communities,” said Dr. Robert Vela, President, Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
The total cost to construct the Regional Nursing Training Facility is approximately $7.5 million. In addition to the $6 million in federal funding allocated through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Kleberg County is providing a $1.5 million match. The facility will be located near the Kleberg County Economic Development & Training Center, which serves as a primary hub for regional workforce education and professional development programs.