Clarksdale, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in collaboration with the state of Alabama, recently invested nearly $2.25 million toward seven projects in Alabama 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 Alabama, seven projects were selected for SEDAP funding at an investment of nearly $2.25 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, nearly 70 jobs will be created or retained and more than 4,000 families across 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.”
For these projects, DRA coordinated directly with the Office of the Governor for the State of Alabama and the state’s Local Development Districts for program funding implementation.
SEDAP award recipients in the state of Alabama include:
Clarke County Commission was awarded more than $476,000 for a transportation project that will improve county infrastructure and will provide a safer and more reliable road for transportation.
City of Demopolis was awarded nearly $215,000 for a drainage improvement project that will install new drainage pipes and storm inlets near an intersection to eliminate the threat of existing and future erosion near this location and potential safety hazards.
City of Monroeville was awarded more than $180,000 to make sewer and transportation improvements to address the needs of the downtown business district, which is essential to the city’s revitalization efforts and tourism industry.
Town of Carrollton was awarded $456,500 for a water system project that will make upgrades to the town’s water distribution system, improving the resiliency, reliability and efficiency of local infrastructure for current and future residential and business needs.
City of Reform was awarded nearly $470,000 to improve water services to businesses and residents by upgrading the water lines of the municipal water system, improving the city’s commercial attractiveness and residents’quality of life.
Eufaula Heritage Association was awarded $80,000 for a public infrastructure project located near a community facility serving local citizens and visitors, ultimately improving accessibility, parking and safety.
City of Livingston was awarded more than $370,000 for a sewer improvement project that will address infrastructure needs and city development, resulting in job creation and economic growth.
For more information about SEDAP, visit www.dra.gov.
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