Building Communities.
Improving Lives.
Welcome to the
Delta Regional Authority
The DRA was established in 2000 as a formal framework for joint Federal-State collaboration to promote and encourage the economic development of the lower Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt regions. To fulfill this purpose, DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic public infrastructure, workforce training, and business development. DRA works to create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those that reside in the region. DRA’s region encompasses 252 counties and parishes in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
DRA’s enabling legislation dictates that at least 75% of DRA’s funds must be invested in economically distressed counties and parishes. In addition, half of DRA’s funds must support transportation infrastructure and basic public infrastructure.
Investing in the Delta

Strategic Investments for Impactful Outcomes
DRA measures the impact of our investments through four main outcomes: jobs created, jobs retained, individuals trained, and families affected.
The following are outcomes for DRA investments in FY 2022.
News & Events
DRA Announces 2023 Delta Summit
DRA Publishes Notice of Funding Availability for 2023 Strategic Planning Program
DRA Publishes Notice of Funding Availability for 2023-2024 Local Development District (LDD) Community Support Pilot Program
Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative Funding Now Available
DRA Publishes 2023 Notice of Funding Availability for State’s Economic Assistance Program (SEDAP)
DRA Publishes 2023 Notice of Funding Availability for Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF)
Delta Regional Authority Announces Community Infrastructure Fund
Delta Regional Authority Appoints Jessica Shappley as Chief Policy and Communications Officer
Delta Regional Authority Announces States’s Economic Development Assistance Program
Delta Regional Authority Announces Two New Capacity-Building Programs
Statement by Federal Co-Chair on the President’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
Delta Regional Authority Approves $1.6 Million Grant to Support Economic Growth Opportunities in Marion, Illinois
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Elected as 2023 Delta Regional Authority States’ Co-Chair
Delta Regional Authority Welcomes 11 Healthcare Facilities to Technical Assistance Program
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