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DRA Set to Deliver Two IRT Missions this Summer
DRA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, is set to deliver two Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) missions this summer in Western Kentucky and North Central Arkansas.
The 2026 IRT missions include the Green River Area Wellness Mission, in Henderson, Kentucky, from June 11-23, and the Buffalo River Wellness Mission, in Marshall, Arkansas, from July 16-24.
Both missions will provide key health care services, including medical, dental and optometry care, at no cost to residents on a first-come, first-served basis; no income or residency requirements necessary.
Stay tuned for more details on these IRT missions.
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Delta Leadership Institute Kicks Off in Missouri
The 2026 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy kicked off its first session in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. This year’s cohort brings together 33 leaders from across DRA’s eight-state service region for six in-person sessions regarding public infrastructure, regional transportation systems, workforce development, coalition-building and other fields necessary to facilitate economic development within the Delta.
In April, the cohort will continue their sessions in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana.
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DRA Hosts 2026 LDD Training in Memphis
DRA hosted its Annual Local Development District Training in February, joining economic developers from across the eight-state region for two days of informative sessions in Memphis, Tennessee.
Providing key updates on DRA’s various funding programs, the 2026 LDD Training was focused on guidance, accountability, and strong partnership to keep delivering impact across the DRA region.
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As part of our “Investing in the Delta” series, DRA will be highlighting special projects from across the region making huge impacts for the residents and communities within our 255 counties and parishes.
In this edition of “Investing in the Delta,” check out this $759,000 investment in Greenville, Kentucky, for a new hangar and apron at Muhlenberg County Airport to expand pilot and mechanic training through Madisonville Community College.
Since its opening, the hangar and apron have provided —
- training for 115 students,
- hired five instructors,
- operated three aircrafts, and
- logged 2,925 flight hours.
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DRA Joins Partners for Community Convening
DRA, in partnership with the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, the University of Illinois Extension and the University of Missouri Extension, gathered communities from across Southern Illinois and Southern Missouri for a two-day capacity-building event.
The PROPEL Convening focused on mitigating economic development challenges and uplifting community assets through an array of mechanisms and tools, including data analysis, planning and grant writing. Presenters and participants also discussed a range of topics such as public infrastructure implementation.
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The DRA Third Quarter Board Meeting will be held Thursday, April 16, at 1 p.m., via Zoom. All board meetings are open to the public. To sign on, visit the DRA Events webpage.
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Delta Workforce Grant Program
Approximately $4 million is available through DRA’s Delta Workforce Grant Program, an initiative designed to nurture local workforce ecosystems and to increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support workforce training and education programs throughout the lower Missisisppi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. For more information on how to apply, visit Delta Workforce Grant Program – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).
Applications Deadline: May 15, 2026
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Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- DRA Third Quarter Board Meeting – April 16
- Delta Workforce Grant Program Applications Due – May 15
- Green River Area Innovative Readiness Training Mission – June 11- 23
- Buffalo River Innovative Readiness Training Mission – July 16 – 24
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