Clarksdale, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in collaboration with the state of Arkansas, recently invested $3.75 million toward eight projects in Arkansas 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 Arkansas, eight projects were selected for SEDAP funding at an investment upwards of $3.75 million. Funding for this program is 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 to create more resilient and healthier communities across the country.
“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, over 830 jobs will be created or retained, over 200 people trained, and over 740 families impacted across eight 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 Arkansas and the state’s Local Development Districts for program funding implementation.
SEDAP award recipients in the state of Arkansas include:
South Arkansas Community College was awarded nearly $359,000 to renovate an existing lab and to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for a new industrial lab technician program that will meet local and regional industry needs, as identified by industry partners, and prepare program participants for high-quality employment.
Arkansas Methodist Medical Center was awarded $509,000 to purchase a new MRI machine for an equipment and program enhancement project that will allow the health care facility to provide the highest level of service and patient care by offering new and improved opportunities in a more efficient manner.
City of Walnut Ridge was awarded $509,000 to renovate two downtown buildings that will be used to house a new technology company, Provalus, which plans to hire and train 200 new employees over the next five years, impacting the local and regional economy and workforce in a positive way.
Prairie County was awarded $1.2 million for a county road improvement project that will result in an improved transportation route for employees of White River Energetics, as well as for shipping and supply companies accessing the manufacturing company.
City of Newport was awarded more than $378,000 for a public transportation infrastructure project that will support a new business development opportunity in the downtown area, ensuring the workforce can access the workplace.
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville was awarded $509,000 to develop a commercial vehicle driving range to provide a secure and controlled environment for training the next generation of commercial vehicle drivers, addressing the increasing demand for skilled drivers in the region while also fostering economic development and job creation.
Union County was awarded nearly $186,000 to support a railroad improvement project that will allow for the construction of a new industrial rail spur facility at El Dorado Industrial Park, resulting in local and regional job creation, in addition to a multi-million-dollar private investment.
City of Marshall was awarded $100,000 to replace an existing concreate water storage tank with a new welded steel water storage tank, meeting Arkansas Health Department standards and providing city residents and businesses with a reliable water source and the water supply to meet their personal and business needs.
For more information about SEDAP, visit www.dra.gov.
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