Clarksdale, MS – Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is awarding over $3.3 million in investments to nine projects in Louisiana 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 nine new investment projects will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and support business development and job training in communities across Louisiana. These projects are projected to create or retain over 300 jobs, train 80 individuals, and affect over 4,000 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 nine 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 Louisiana and the state’s Local Development Districts for program funding implementation.
The following projects received SEDAP funding in Louisiana:
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The NOVA Rural Workforce Development Program project in Monroe, Louisiana, has been awarded $105,000 to provide job training and employment-related education in public education institutions in Northeast Louisiana.
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The Ochsner LSU New Helipad Construction project in Shreveport, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $355,000 to build a helipad adjacent to the hospital’s emergency room.
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The Leonville Wastewater Treatment Plan Improvements project in Leonville, Louisiana, has been awarded $500,000 for various improvements to the town’s wastewater treatment facility.
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The Town of Jonesboro Water Treatment Improvements project in Jonesboro, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $573,000 to provide a water well and treatment plant for the Town of Jonesboro.
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The Madison Port Railcar Company Building Improvements project in Tallulah, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $487,000 for various improvements to the Madison Port Building.
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The Economic Development Street Improvements – Gin Road Rehabilitation project in Rayville, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $356,000 to overlay a portion of Gin Road.
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The Town of Sunset – Wastewater Treatment Facility Rehabilitation project in Sunset, Louisiana, has been awarded $500,000 to rehabilitate the Town of Sunset’s current wastewater treatment plant.
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The Village of Grayson Painting of Elevated Tank project in Grayson, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $237,000 to repair and paint a 50,000-gallon elevated water storage tank.
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The Earn and Learn to Advance Care: In-Hospital Pharmacy Tech Training project in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $222,000 to expand the Adult Rapid Reskill Program, which provides an accelerated certification and employment program within the healthcare industry.
Additional information about SEDAP is available at States’ Economic Development Assistance Program – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).
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