Clarksdale, MS – Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is awarding over $1.6 million in investments to six projects in the Alabama Black Belt region through the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP). Funding for this program was made available, in part, by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden, a key part of his Investing in America agenda to grow local economies from the middle out and bottom up and create more resilient and healthier communities across the country.
The six new investment projects will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and support business development and job training in communities across the Alabama Black Belt region. These projects are projected to create or retain over 80 jobs and train nearly 40 individuals.
“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 DRA Federal Co-Chairman, Dr. Corey Wiggins. “As a result of this investment, residents across these five communities will have improved access to infrastructure and workforce development opportunities, helping to improve their quality of life and increase economic prosperity in their communities.”
As one of DRA’s main investment tools, SEDAP provides direct investments for basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and workforce development. DRA coordinates directly with the Office of the Governor for the State of Alabama and the state’s Local Development Districts for program funding implementation.
The following projects received SEDAP funding in Alabama:
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The Cultural and Communal Living Cynosure project in Selma, Alabama, has been awarded $200,000 to increase the success and well-being of residents in distressed communities.
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The Jackson Pellets Industrial Access Road project in Jackson, Alabama, has been awarded more than $357,000 to construct a 3,100-foot industrial access road to the Jackson Pellets facility.
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The Selma Tourism Incubator project in Selma, Alabama, has been awarded $509,000 to develop an Innovative Tourism Hub in Selma’s historic downtown.
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The Town of Hurtsboro Storm Water Collection System Improvement project in Hurtsboro, Alabama, has been awarded more than $387,000 to repair a storm water collection system to reduce localized flooding.
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The Town of Butler Highway 17 South project in Butler, Alabama, has been awarded more than $189,000 to correct water main issues and install a fire hydrant on Alabama Highway 17 South.
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The Eufaula-Bluff City Water and Sewer project in Eufaula, Alabama has been awarded more than $43,000 for sewer, water, and stormwater improvements.
Additional information about SEDAP is available at States’ Economic Development Assistance Program – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).
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