DRA August Highlights

September 27, 2023

"Forward" DRA Monthly Highlights

Dear Delta Residents,

I hope this message finds you in great anticipation of Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) upcoming annual Delta Summit, themed Navigating the Currents of Opportunity after DRA’s Regional Development Plan IV, which is almost one month away! As the countdown begins, I want to share some exciting updates and important information to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Event Details

Date: October 30-November 1, 2023
Location: JW Marriott New Orleans

DRA has been hard at work preparing for an incredible event, and we cannot wait to welcome you to this gathering of change-makers and visionaries committed to uplifting the Delta region.

Highlights of the Delta Summit

Inspiring Keynote Speakers: Get ready to be inspired by renowned leaders and innovators who will share their insights and experiences around economic development, rural revitalization, and community resiliency.
Engaging Sessions and Workshops: Our interactive sessions will equip you with valuable skills and knowledge to tackle the region’s challenges and drive positive change.
Enhanced Technical Assistance: Attend office hours with our federal partners to learn more about federal funding opportunities.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees, community leaders, and potential collaborators to share ideas, best practices, and strategies.

What You Can Do Now:

Plan Your Stay: If you are traveling from out of town, be sure to book your accommodations now to secure the best rates and availability.
Stay Updated: Follow us on social media for the latest news, updates, and sneak peeks of what is in store.

Get ready to join us in shaping a brighter future for the Delta region. We cannot wait to see you at the Delta Summit next month!

Dr. Corey Wiggins,
Federal Co-Chairman

LATEST NEWS

Biden-Harris Administration Awards Over $600,000 in Funding to Address Infrastructure Needs

DRA has awarded $630,400 to five communities in Illinois, Louisiana, and Missouri in its first round of funding through the Strategic Planning Program. Funding for this program was made available by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden, a key part of his Investing in America agenda. For more information on the first-round strategic planning awards: Biden-Harris Administration Awards Over $600,000 in Funding to Address Infrastructure Needs.

DRA Announces $3.5 Million Investment into West Tennessee Communities

DRA has announced a $3,539,000 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for current and future businesses and residents surrounding the BlueOval City automotive complex near Stanton, Tennessee. Funding from this project is provided by the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF). For more information on this investment project and CIF: Delta Regional Authority Announces $3.5 Million Investment into West Tennessee Communities.

Biden-Harris Administration Awards Over $2 Million in Funding to Local Development Districts for Capacity-Building

DRA has awarded $2.3 million to 34 Local Development Districts (LDDs) in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee through the LDD Community Support Pilot Program. Funding for this program was made available by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden, a key part of his Investing in America agenda. For more information on the LDD Community Support Pilot Program: Biden-Harris Administration Awards Over $2 Million in Funding to Local Development Districts for Capacity-Building.

Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Joe Davis, DVIDS – Images – Monroe Wellness Dental [Image 1 of 19]

Monroe Wellness Mission

DRA, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), held its Monroe Wellness Mission August 1-14, 2023, in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana. The Monroe Wellness Mission was a part of the Innovative Readiness Training program. This DoD military training program delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness while simultaneously providing key healthcare resources with lasting benefits for Delta communities. Military personnel offered vision, dental, and basic medical services to the public at no cost to patients. The team saw 1,240 patients with 4,244 procedures and 576 eyeglasses fabricated and distributed, producing a fair market value of services of $862,729.21.

Community Infrastructure Fund

Approximately $30 million in funding is available through DRA’s Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF).

Investments support projects that address basic public and transportation infrastructure, as well as flood-control issues for communities within DRA’s eight-state service area. For more information on how to apply: Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).

Funding for this program has been made available, in part, by the 2018 Farm Bill and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, PL 117-58) signed by President Biden.

Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis

Strategic Planning Program

Approximately $3 million is available through DRA’s Strategic Planning Program, which provides resources to eligible entities to develop strategic plans to address critical and human infrastructure issues in their communities. For more information on how to apply: Strategic Planning Program – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).

Funding for this program has been made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, PL 117-58) signed by President Biden.

Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis

DRA Welcomes Ryan Sayles

DRA welcomes Ryan Sayles to the DRA team! Ryan joined DRA in August as a communications analyst.

IN THE COMMUNITY

45^th Annual Governor’s Local Issues Conference, Louisville, Kentucky

Strategic Partnerships Program Manager, Matthew Campbell, attended the 45^th Annual Governor’s Local Issues Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, where he presented on DRA’s programs and initiatives.

Rural South Economic Development Conference, Cleveland, Mississippi

Federal Co-Chairman, Dr. Corey Wiggins, attended the Rural South Economic Development Conference in Cleveland, Mississippi, where he served as keynote along with former DRA Federal Co-Chairman (2010-2017), Chris Masingill.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Reminder of current DRA program details and funding opportunities:

Quarterly Virtual LDD training, September 27, 2023
Capital Region Planning Commission training in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October 3, 2023
South Central Planning and Development Commission training in Gray, Louisiana, October 4, 2023
North Central Planning and Development District training in Winona, Mississippi, October 11, 2023
2023 Delta Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 30-November 1, 2023
Delta Workforce Grant Program applications due December 21, 2023
CIF applications accepted on a rolling basis
Strategic Planning Program applications accepted on a rolling basis