Matagorda County has a history of ranching and rice, sorghum, corn and cotton production.  Changes are underway, however, with the announced addition of two reactors to the South Texas Project nuclear plant.  This $6 billion investment will create over 3000 construction jobs and result in 1000 permanent jobs between 2009 and 2015.  Retailers, developers and home builders are invited to help accommodate this large economic impact. 

Matagorda County’s tourist attractions are primarily related to fish and birds.  Good saltwater and fresh water fishing brings visitors year-round.  Vacation home owners enjoy fishing, beach and river activities, or just relaxing.  Goose and duck hunting are seasonal attractions.  Kayaking and canoeing are growing in popularity.  We seek waterfront hotels, motels, restaurants and tourism- related activities to provide more accommodations and activities for vacationing families.

Birding is a major attraction as Matagorda County ranks nationally at the top for species sightings in annual Christmas Bird Counts.  The spring and fall migratory seasons provide particular opportunities to sight many unusual species in a concentrated viewing area. 

About the MCEDC

The MCEDC Board represents all of Matagorda County and consists of 11 appointed members from five public entities–Matagorda County, the Bay City Community and Palacios Economic Development Corporations, Navigation District #1, and the Port of Bay City Authority–and the four Chambers of Commerce from Bay City, Matagorda, Palacios and Sargent.  An Executive Director and Administrative Assistant implement Board directives.

The MCEDC is focused on recruiting new industrial and commercial businesses and tourism infrastructure developers to Matagorda County.  The Bay City Community Development Corporation recruits retail businesses to Bay City and helps existing retailers expand.

MCEDC Board of Directors

Kenneth Johnson – City of Palacios EDC – President
Mayor Richard Knapik – Bay City CDC – Vice President
V. L. “Butch” Bowers – Palacios Chamber of Commerce – Secretary
George Harrison – Port of Bay City Authority – Treasurer
Mayor Joe Morton, – City of Palacios EDC
Councilman Joe Enoch – Bay City CDC
County Judge Nate McDonald – Matagorda County Commissioners Court
Susan Mitchell – Matagorda Area Chamber of Commerce
Phillip Richman – Navigation District #1
Muriel Tipps – Sargent Chamber of Commerce
Mitch Thames – Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture

Owen Bludau – Executive Director
Lisa Tew – Communications Director