Clarksdale, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in collaboration with the state of Mississippi, recently invested more than $5.7 million toward 14 projects in Mississippi through its States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) — one of DRA’s main investment tools.
A coordinated effort among DRA, its Board of Governors and Local Development Districts, SEDAP aims to improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development and job training in communities across DRA’s eight-state service region. This year in Mississippi, 14 projects were selected for SEDAP funding at an investment upwards of $5.7 million.
“The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program is one of DRA’s most diverse tools that allow us to expand and invest in the resiliency of the region’s public infrastructure and workforce,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA Federal Co-Chairman. “As a result of this investment, more than 700 jobs will be created or retained, 300 people trained, and 1,600 families impacted across 14 communities, improving residents’ quality of life and increasing economic prosperity in their communities.”
For these projects, DRA coordinated directly with the Office of the Governor for the State of Mississippi and the state’s Local Development Districts for program funding implementation.
SEDAP award recipients in the state of Mississippi include:
Delta Compass was awarded $500,000 to support the construction of an economic development office that will unite workforce training, small business incubation, transportation planning, infrastructure development and conservation initiatives into one hub—creating a collaborative engine for regional growth, addressing systemic challenges and unlocking economic potential vital to the future of the Mississippi Delta.
City of Bay Springs was awarded more than $222,000 to upgrade its existing sanitary sewer collection system to benefit the residents and businesses of northeast Bay Springs, ensuring their health, safety and welfare.
Center Ridge Water Association was awarded nearly $312,000 to improve its water system infrastructure to provide dependable water service to its customers in the rural areas of Smith County.
Town of Raleigh was awarded approximately $327,000 to address the failing infrastructure of its water distribution system to provide adequate water service and fire protection to east Raleigh.
Carroll County was awarded approximately $500,000 to rehabilitate a county road critical to the operations of a major construction materials supplier, improving transportation efficiency, access and overall economic and social well-being of the county.
Town of Falcon was awarded more than $508,000 to make critical water system improvements to connect to a secondary water supply that is essential to protecting public health, supporting fire protection and ensuring consistent water service for residents.
Town of Pope was awarded $509,000 to make critical upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant to safeguard public health, support economic stability and to extend the life of the municipal sewer system.
Town of Taylorsville was awarded $408,000 to make essential and mandatory upgrades to its overall wastewater system to enhance wastewater service to households and businesses and to position itself as a potential landing site for future economic development.
Sunflower County was awarded $509,000 for phase one of a road improvement project that will stabilize and strengthen an access road leading to a major employer, supporting public infrastructure and economic stability within the area.
Metro Booming Training Academy, Inc. was awarded approximately $492,000 for a workforce initiative that will equip underserved individuals with credentials and skills in high-demand trades and smart technologies, addressing regional challenges related to underemployment, workforce skill gaps and limited access to technical training in the areas of HVAC, electrical, energy audit, code enforcement, facility maintenance and smart technology.
Town of North Carrollton was awarded more than $162,000 for public infrastructure improvement that will address severe roadway deterioration, improve public safety and directly support workforce development to ensure long-term economic opportunity.
City of Clarksdale was awarded approximately $267,500 for a flood control improvement project that will enhance stormwater conveyance, reduce roadway flooding and ensure public safety, creating safer, more resilient infrastructure for the community.
Town of Sledge was awarded nearly $509,000 to rehabilitate its aging water and sewer systems to meet governmental regulations and to restore safe, reliable utility services to the community.
Civil Military Innovation Institute was awarded $509,000 for a regional workforce acceleration project that will expand hands-on training in welding, robotics, engineering and health care across six distressed counties, addressing persistent poverty, low labor force participation and regional industry needs.
For more information about SEDAP, visit www.dra.gov.
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