Clarksdale, MS – Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is awarding over $2.2 million in investments to six projects in Southeast Missouri 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.
The six new investment projects will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and support business development and job training in communities across Southeast Missouri. These projects are projected to create or retain over 60 jobs and train nearly 420 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 six 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 Missouri and the state’s Local Development Districts for program funding implementation.
“We appreciate the Delta Regional Authority’s continued support for and investment in Missouri’s southeast communities,” Governor Parson said. “These projects will help strengthen our infrastructure and ensure more Missourians are receiving the training they need to earn a good-paying job. The First Lady and I are especially proud to see the JAG program expanding to 16 additional Missouri schools to serve even more students in our state.”
The following projects received SEDAP funding in Missouri:
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The Bootheel Technical Training Center project in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, has been awarded more than $683,000 to offer training for construction, linemen, and advanced manufacturing.
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The Street Improvements to Assist Local Businesses project in Irondale, Missouri, has been awarded more than $208,000 to upgrade its local transportation network.
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The City of Thayer, Water and Sewer Extensions for 63/19 project in Thayer, Missouri, has been awarded $500,000 for an extension of municipal water and sewer infrastructure to facilitate the development of a travel center.
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The Ellsinore Fire Station Facility project in Ellsinore, Missouri, has been awarded more than $274,000 to construct a new firehouse for the Ellsinore Rural Fire Protection District.
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The JAG-Missouri, Inc. project in Lockwood, Missouri, has been awarded more than $256,000 to expand the JAG program for students in 16 school districts.
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The Caruthersville Project Exit Strategy project in Caruthersville, Missouri, has been awarded more than $297,000 to build an exit road from a grain elevator for transport trucks.
Additional information about SEDAP is available at States’ Economic Development Assistance Program – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).
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