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DRA and EDA Invests $4.3 Million to Boost Economic Development in Lower Mississippi Delta and Alabama Black Belt Region
More than $4.3 million in investments has been awarded to three projects across Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi, thanks to a partnership program between the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
With funds provided through the EDA’s Economic Adjustment Assistance program, the DRA has invested more than $4.3 million toward three projects located in Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi. As one of the EDA’s most flexible funding programs, the Economic Adjustment Assistance program provides for a wide range of technical, planning, and public works and infrastructure assistance in regions experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time.
To view award recipients, click here.
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DRA Presents Town of Georgetown with $870,000
On July 19, DRA traveled to Georgetown, Mississippi for a check presentation, awarding the town with more than $870,000 for a critical sewer improvement project.
The Town of Georgetown is a recent recipient of DRA’s Community Infrastructure Fund — the first-ever DRA grant awarded to the community. With these funds, Georgetown will construct a state-of-the-art pumping station to modernize the community’s wastewater infrastructure to enhance public health, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
“We are very thankful for the support from the Delta Regional Authority and our local partners at Central Mississippi Planning and Development District in getting this funding,” said Russ Dubose, Mayor of Georgetown. “This project is a big step in making our community stronger and better. These improvements to our infrastructure are just the beginning for Georgetown.”
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DRA will host a Strategic Planning Program Post-Award Webinar on Monday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m., via Zoom. Geared toward grantees of the Strategic Planning Program and LDD Pilot Program, the webinar will provide valuable information as it relates to managing awards, such as navigating the grants management system, award documentation, annual reporting, the drawdown process and more.
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DRA Gets First-Hand Look at Expansion Project Happening at a Louisiana Airport
On July 18, DRA Chief Administrative Officer Joshua McNemar joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, Aviation Exteriors President Joseph Ng and other local officials for an announcement and tour of the Acadiana Regional Airport in New Iberia, Louisiana.
A new state-of-the-art hangar, made possible by a $2 million grant from the DRA, is set to serve as a hub for aircraft maintenance and conversions at the regional airport, promising significant economic development opportunities for the community. The DRA grant is part of a $73 million package, with funds from the Federal Aviation Administration, Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and other sources. The expansion will allow Aviation Exteriors — which specializes in aircraft paint, heavy maintenance and cargo conversion services — to double its workforce, creating an additional 200 new jobs.
Local officials expressed their gratitude for the DRA’s support and emphasized the long-term benefits of the project. The hangar is expected to serve as a critical asset for the region, attracting aviation-related businesses and providing a boost to the local economy.
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Investing in the Delta | Bay Springs, MS
Check out our newest video of Investing in the Delta! Hear from our grantees in Bay Springs, Mississippi, who expressed their appreciation for an investment of nearly $190,000 to improve an industrial road.
Awarded through our Community Infrastructure Fund, this grant will increase the weight limit, widen the road, and construct a shoulder to accommodate small businesses. These improvements will also ensure safer and better access for trucks to two plants, benefiting eight current employees, three new employees, and the City of Bay Springs.
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DRA and HRSA Partner for Workshop and Meetings
In partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs – Regions 6 and 7, DRA will be hosting two meetings and a workshop to be held Sept. 10 – 11, 2024, in Sikeston, Missouri.
On Sept. 10, DRA and HRSA will hold two meetings focused on maternal health and health workforce. On Sept. 11, a grants workshop will be held, covering multiple topics, such as federal and regional funding opportunities, the grant application process, and tips for crafting a strong application. Registration is now open for all events.
For more information or to register, visit dra.gov/events; space is limited. To download the flyer, click here.
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DRA Attends Mayor’s Summit in Arkansas
On July 11, DRA team members Tineciaa Harris and Darci Malam attended a Mayor’s Summit in Woodruff County, Arkansas, hosted by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).
The purpose of the AEDC County Mayor’s Summit was to educate the mayors of Lonoke, Monroe and Prairie counties about the various resources available to them on federal, state and local levels.
During the summit, Tineccia and Darci informed the mayors about the different funding and assistance opportunities that are available at DRA.
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Applications for the 2025 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy are open. An extensive nine-month leadership development program, DLI brings together public, private and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt regions to improve economic competitiveness and social viability throughout their communities. For more information, click here.
Applications due: August 16, 2024
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2024 DWP Grantees Gather for Post-Award Workshop
DRA recently met with our newly awarded 2024 Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) grantees for a post-award workshop held near Memphis, Tennessee.
During the one-day event, grantees were given a comprehensive overview of quarterly reporting requirements, received training on DRA’s new grants management system, and learned best practices for successful grant management. They were also greeted by a former DWP grantee, who offered some valuable advice.
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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, visit Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov). Funding for this program was 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.
Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis
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Strategic Planning Program
Approximately $3 million in funding is available through DRA’s Strategic Planning Program. This program gives public entities access to strategic planning funds to address long-standing issues and develop a roadmap for economic growth and opportunity. For more information on how to apply, visit Strategic Planning Program – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov). Funding for this program is made available by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden—a key part of his Investing in America agenda.
Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis
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Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy — Applications due Aug. 16
- Strategic Planning Program Post-Awad Webinar — Aug. 19
- DRA and HRSA Workshop and Meetings — Sept. 10 – 11
- 2024 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy Graduation — Sept. 11
- DRA Quarterly Board Meeting — Sept. 11
- Community Infrastructure Fund — Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis
- Strategic Planning Program — Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis
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