Clarksdale, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is announcing an investment of nearly $29 million toward 24 projects through its Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF), a funding program designed to address unmet basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure and flood control needs for DRA communities within the lower Mississippi Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.
As one of DRA’s primary investment tools, CIF awards help to strengthen the region’s economic vitality by supporting residents, attracting and retaining businesses, and fostering economic growth. To date, DRA has funded 24 projects estimated to create or retain more than 700 jobs and impact more than 26,000 families across 24 communities through public infrastructure investments. These projects span across seven states within DRA’s eight-service region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri and Mississippi.
“The Community Infrastructure Fund is one of DRA’s most unique tools that allows us to expand and invest in the region’s public infrastructure,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA Federal Co-Chairman. “As a result of this investment, approximately 26,500 families will have improved access to infrastructure, helping to improve their quality of life and increase economic opportunities in their communities.”
Applications for CIF are accepted on a rolling cycle for the 2025 fiscal year and can be completed at www.dra.gov.
Today’s CIF award recipients include:
Alabama
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Town of Notasulga was awarded approximately $300,000 to rehabilitate an aging sewer system serving Downtown Notasulga that will ensure continued and improved services for residents and businesses.
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Town of Carrollton was awarded nearly $1 million for a water distribution system project that will improve water services to all residents and businesses, increasing their overall quality of life.
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Perry County Water Authority was awarded approximately $2 million to make improvements to water system serving the Heiberger area of Perry County, Ala., which will reduce system water losses, lower operation and maintenance costs, mitigate health and sanitation risk, and ensure reliable water supply for residents.
Arkansas
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City of Helena-West Helena was awarded nearly $520,000 to carry out improvements and repairs to the city’s landfill facility to sufficiently serve customers spanning a three-county service area.
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City of Marshall was awarded approximately $875,000 for a water tank replacement project that will allow the city to maintain adequate water supply to meet resident and business needs, as well as provide a reliable water source for first responders in the event of an emergency.
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City of Pangburn was awarded nearly $600,000 to improve its water infrastructure system to ensure residents are provided with a safe and affordable water supply.
Illinois
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City of Sesser was awarded nearly $590,000 to upgrade its water infrastructure to ensure safe, quality drinking water for residents.
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City of Eldorado was awarded more than $800,000 to improve its flood control infrastructure to alleviate problems with the city’s existing drainage system and to withstand future emergencies and natural disasters, such as severe weather and flooding.
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City of Cairo was awarded approximately $618,000 for a public infrastructure project that will address concerns regarding a recently developed sinkhole that is affecting the city’s water and sewer system and the daily operations of a major employer.
Kentucky
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City of Madisonville was awarded more than $1.3 million to support the installation of a new public waterline that will serve two pivotal developments, including a training center and power generation facility, which together represents a $180 investment and enhances regional resilience, public safety capacity and economic opportunity across at least 20 counties.
Louisiana
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Town of Washington was awarded more than $700,000 for a water tower rehabilitation project that will enhance the town’s ability to attract and retain businesses and support public health.
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Town of Slaughter was awarded approximately $2.2 million to upgrade its water infrastructure system, which will provide consistent water pressure to the community and ensure safe, immediate access to water during crises.
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Town of Fordoche was awarded nearly $400,000 for a water storage improvement project that will ensure reliable water supply and pressure and enhance quality of life and economic opportunity.
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Town of Jackson was awarded more than $2 million to upgrade its sewer system, a critical element within the community’s downtown revitalization project, which aims to protect residents and businesses from wastewater-related health threats while also creating reliable infrastructure for the growth of historic downtown.
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City of Bastrop was awarded $509,000 to make upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant to provide and maintain adequate sewer services necessary for quality of life and economic growth.
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City of West Monroe was awarded more than $1.5 million to make improvements to its wastewater treatment plant to provide basic services to citizens and visitors.
Mississippi
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Town of D’Lo was awarded approximately $515,000 for a water infrastructure rehabilitation project that will improve the reliability and efficiency of the community’s potable water system.
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Tougaloo College was awarded more than $2.2 million for a water distribution construction project that will modernize the institution’s drinking water system and bolster economic development.
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The Piney Woods School was awarded nearly $1.5 million to address critical infrastructure challenges to enhance public health and safety, promote operational efficiency, conserve resources, and meet regulatory compliance.
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City of Fayette was awarded approximately $2 million to upgrade its water distribution system for improved water treatment and drinking water quality, protection to the distribution system, and reduce chemical cost.
Missouri
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City of Portageville was awarded more than $1.8 million to improve its water treatment system to provide safe, reliable drinking water and to address the community’s pressing infrastructure needs.
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City of Rolla was awarded more than $1.2 million for a stormwater mitigation project that will modernize the city’s storm drainage system in order to foster small business growth and development for the city’s downtown business district.
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City of Scott City was awarded more than $2 million for a wastewater system improvement project that will provide for business expansion within the region and allow for industry driven economic development.
For more information about the Community Infrastructure Fund, visit www.dra.gov.
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