Clarksdale, MS – Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is awarding over $2.5 million in investments to seven projects in Mississippi 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 seven new investment projects will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and support business development and job training in communities across Mississippi. These projects are projected to create or retain nearly 100 jobs, train over then individuals, and affect nearly 1,300 families.
“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 seven 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 Mississippi and the state’s Local Development Districts for program funding implementation.
“We’ve been making historic investments into infrastructure across Mississippi, and these awards will help our efforts,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “This funding will go a long way toward improving quality of life and helping to drive more economic growth in our state. I look forward to seeing their impact.”
The following projects received SEDAP funding in Mississippi:
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The Water Well Rehab and Altitude Valve Replacement project in Port Gibson, Mississippi, has been awarded more than $97,000 to restore Port Gibson’s water well and replace an altitude valve on a water pump.
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The Silver Street Retaining Wall Stabilization project in Natchez, Mississippi, has been awarded more than $380,000 to repair a brick retaining wall.
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The Water Valley Industrial Park Access Road project in Water Valley, Mississippi, has been awarded more than $332,000 for a new entrance to Water Valley’s industrial park.
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The Water Well Construction project in Heidelberg, Mississippi, has been awarded more than $243,000 to construct a new water well for the Town of Heidelberg.
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The City of Itta Bena’s Sewer System Improvements project in Itta Bena, Mississippi, has been awarded $500,000 for various improvements to the City of Itta Bena’s sewer system.
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The Hankins Lumber Company Turning Lane project in Grenada, Mississippi, has been awarded $500,000 for various infrastructure improvements to accommodate improved access to Hankins Lumber Company.
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The Sunflower-Greenwood Medical Complex project in Ruleville, Mississippi, has been awarded $500,000 for the remodeling and construction of an existing building into a medical complex, including a pharmacy, rural health clinic, durable medical equipment, and hospice.
Additional information about SEDAP is available at States’ Economic Development Assistance Program – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).
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