Clarksdale, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in collaboration with the state of Louisiana, recently invested nearly $6.8 million toward 18 projects in Louisiana 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 Louisiana, 18 projects were selected for SEDAP funding at an investment of nearly $6.8 million.
“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, more than 1,000 jobs will be created or retained, 60 people trained, and more than 6,000 families across 18 communities will have improved access to infrastructure and workforce development opportunities, helping to improve their 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 Louisiana and its Local Development Districts for program funding implementation.
SEDAP award recipients in the state of Louisiana include:
Town of Urania was awarded nearly $362,400 to upgrade its water system infrastructure to double its capacity to store water for drinking and fire protection and to support long-term community and economic development.
Village of Forest was awarded nearly $390,700 to make improvements to its aging water system to provide a reliable service that will address the needs of residents and the local workforce.
Town of Sterlington was awarded nearly $393,000 to upgrade and relocate one of its lift stations to eliminate high runtimes and lower energy costs for the town while also increasing capacity for the growing community.
False River Regional Airport was awarded $509,000 for a Jet A fuel tank that will allow for more diverse aircrafts to utilize the airport, benefitting the facility, community, region and state as the additional Jet A service will support the ongoing success of the Louisiana Airport System; improve transportation access; and create job opportunities connected to aviation and regional growth.
City of West Monroe was awarded $138,000 to make critical sanitary sewer main improvements to its current infrastructure, addressing inflow and infiltration of the system while complying with state regulations.
City of Ville Platte was awarded $509,000 to make upgrades to its municipal wastewater treatment facility to restore treatment capacity, improve process stability and to ensure regulatory compliance, safeguarding public health, supporting existing customers and enabling long-term business and housing growth in the area.
Town of Oak Grove was awarded $509,000 for a water system improvement project that will provide access to clean and safe water for residents and address health code violations issued by state regulators.
Town of Winnsboro was awarded $509,000 to replace the outdated lighting system at the Winnsboro Municipal Airport to improve the safety, reliability and operational efficiency of the facility for the community, employers, job seekers and workers who depend on it.
Madison Parish Port Commission was awarded $433,250 to dredge a portion of the Mississippi River to ensure uninterrupted navigation of the region during low water conditions, keeping the port operational and in position for economic growth and job creation.
City of Springhill was awarded more than $260,500 to rehabilitate a lift station to enhance the quality of life of residents and to support economic opportunity by ensuring reliable sewer service for future development.
Franklin Parish Police Jury was awarded $450,400 to reconstruct two roads at the entrance of Turkey Creek Park in Franklin Parish, Louisiana, providing for extensive economic improvements to the area through increased sales at local businesses and future business development.
Village of Gilbert was awarded nearly $276,000 for a water main extension project that will provide potable water service and fire protection to a new subdivision expected to increase village population and boost economy through increased sales taxes and future business development.
Village of Richmond was awarded nearly $111,000 for a road repair project essential to economic and community development of the area, increasing residents’ and visitors’ access to local businesses, promoting economic sustainability and empowering important local employers to retain jobs.
Village of Bonita was awarded $500,000 to rehabilitate two existing water wells to provide residents with a safe and reliable water service and to meet state regulatory compliance.
City of Tallulah was awarded more than $359,000 to make public infrastructure improvements that will better residents’ lives and that will promote economic development within the community.
Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation was awarded nearly $316,000 for a small business innovation program that will provide 60 small businesses in the City of Monroe, Ouachita Parish and surrounding areas with coaching, technical support and online entrepreneurial training to help strengthen their internal processes and prepare them for growth.
Village of Grayson was awarded approximately $246,500 for a road reconstruction project that will improve transportation infrastructure serving a nearby local elementary school, businesses and the community.
Plaquemines Parish Government was awarded $509,000 to rehabilitate a sewer lift station to bring it into compliance with current codes and to make it more resilient against flooding during severe weather events.
For more information about SEDAP, visit www.dra.gov.
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