Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a $2,674,232 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Arkansas communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $7,778,196 and will attract an additional $65,000 in leveraged private investment (LPI) into seven Arkansas communities.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a $1,686,338 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Western Kentucky communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $595,000 in additional funds. 

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a $2,176,676 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Southeast Missouri communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $6 million and will attract an additional $175,000 in leveraged private investment (LPI) into Missouri.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a $1,900,376 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for West Tennessee communities and residents.  The investment will be matched by $2.3 million.

 Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a $2,856,357 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Mississippi Delta communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $5 million and will attract an additional $1.8 million in leveraged private investment (LPI) into Mississippi.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a $4,093,054 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Louisiana communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $3.6 million and will attract an additional $150,000 in leveraged private investment (LPI) into Louisiana.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a $1,917,634 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Alabama communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $48,629 in additional funds.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a $1,465,061 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Southern Illinois communities and residents. The investment will be matched by over $7.6 million and will attract an additional $2.3 million in leveraged private investment (LPI) into Southern Illinois. 

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S Department of Labor (DOL) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), today announced a $17,187,500 investment to 13 programs designed to provide employment and training services to regional and local workforces.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today graduated 31 regional leaders from the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy, an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. The 2022 DLI class was selected from a competitive applicant pool from all eight DRA states and marks the 18th year of DLI-trained regional leaders.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced that Alternate Federal Co-Chairwoman Leslie Durham will be leaving DRA to take on a new opportunity as Executive Director of the Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation (LITAC).

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced its partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) resulted in over $1.1 million in estimated value of services at no cost to the 2,920 patients cared for during the Western Kentucky, South Central Missouri, and Southern Illinois Wellness Missions.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced Jake Bynum has been appointed as 2022-2023 Chairman of the Delta Leadership Network (DLN) Regional Advisory Council. Bynum, a 2017 graduate of DRA’s Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy, was appointed by DRA Federal Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins to lead DLI’s alumni network.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced the appointment of Jennifer Riley Collins as Chief Administrative Officer under the Biden-Harris Administration. Riley Collins, who formally served as the Owner and Principal Consultant at J Riley Collins Consulting, LLC, started her role June 21, 2022.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced the appointment of Samuel Greene as Chief Strategy and Communications Officer under the Biden-Harris Administration. Greene, who formerly worked as a legislative aide and outreach coordinator in the U.S. House of Representatives, started his role July 5, 2022.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced covered programs included in President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, clean water and other investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, overburdened, and underserved.

Innovative Readiness Training medical mission will be held July 22nd – 31st in Carbondale, IL.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is continuing its partnership with Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government (HKS) to offer an education opportunity exclusively to alumni of the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. The program, designed and led by Harvard faculty, focuses on modern leadership principles to advance one’s ability to solve real-world challenges. This week, 39 DLI alumni from across the eight-state Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions graduated with an HKS Executive Education Certificate in Authentic Leadership.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), will host the Southern Illinois Wellness Mission from July 22-31, 2022 in Carbondale. The medical mission will bring medical, dental, and vision care to residents in need of quality healthcare at no cost to the patients.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), will welcome media to tour the South Central Missouri Wellness Mission on Tuesday, June 28th in Ava, MO. Location and time are listed below.

Innovative Readiness Training medical mission will be held June 15th-25th in Hopkinsville, KY.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), will host the South Central Missouri Wellness Mission from June 29 – July 8, 2022 simultaneously in three Missouri towns: Ava, Eminence, and Houston. The medical mission will bring medical, dental, and vision care to residents in need of quality healthcare at no cost to the patients.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), will welcome media to tour the Western Kentucky Wellness Mission on Tuesday, June 14th in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Location and time are listed below.

The extensive, nine-month executive leadership program will select leaders from public, private, and nonprofit sectors for the 2023 class.

U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to award $34.2M in a fourth round of grant funding; applications due July 8, 2022.

Innovative Readiness Training medical mission will be held June 15th-25th in Hopkinsville, KY.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit responses from organizations within the DRA region to work in partnership with DRA to expand and improve upon the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI), a nationally recognized leadership development program that prepares state and local leaders to work for future improvements in the region by “thinking and acting regionally.”

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced the availability of $34.2 million in a fourth round of funding through the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative.  The funding opportunity seeks to invest in projects providing career and support services to people in the Delta and Appalachian regions so they may secure quality jobs in stable, high-demand occupations.

DRA joins over 90 Federal agencies in historic release supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government equity agenda. 

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Delta Fellowship Program.

New study assesses the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway’s current economic impact and capacity for economic growth within the Alabama Black Belt.

Wiggins nominated by President Biden on December 15, 2021; becomes fourth Co-Chairman to serve in the position.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today released the Labor Market and Workforce Report, a study produced for DRA by the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) in collaboration with EntreWorks Consulting (EntreWorks), with support and guidance from DRA. The report provides an evaluation of the Delta Region’s labor market and identifies best practices for workforce development and education, including recommendations for key stakeholders such as policymakers and economic development practitioners.

FY 2022 States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) application cycle opens March 2, 2022 and closes June 5, 2022.

The 81 new investment projects will improve water and sewer systems, boost business development, enhance infrastructure, and support job training in communities across the DRA footprint.

DRA’s investment will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development, and job training to support economic development in communities across Louisiana.

DRA’s investment will improve basic public infrastructure, business development, and job training to support economic development in communities across Southeast Missouri.

DRA’s investment will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development and job training to support economic development in communities across Southern Illinois.

DRA’s investment will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development, and job training to support economic development in communities across Mississippi.

DRA’s investment will improve basic public infrastructure, business development, and job training to support economic development in communities across West Tennessee.

DRA’s investment will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and job training to support economic development in communities across the Arkansas Delta.

DRA’s investment will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development, and job training to support economic development in communities across Western Kentucky

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit responses from organizations within the DRA region to work in partnership with DRA to expand and improve upon the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI), a nationally recognized leadership development program that prepares state and local leaders to work for future improvements in the region by “thinking and acting regionally.”

Delta Summit 2022, presented by Delta Regional Authority (DRA), will take place March 29-31, 2022 in New Orleans, LA.  The event is designed to bring together community leaders and subject matter experts from across the eight-state DRA region to discuss and learn more about the region’s opportunities for economic development, rural revitalization, and community resiliency.

Delta Regional Authority today announced 11 additional healthcare facilities chosen to participate in the Delta Region Community Health Systems Development – Technical Assistance Program, which enhances healthcare delivery in the Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions through intensive, in-depth and long-term technical assistance to rural hospitals and medical facilities.

DRA is now accepting proposals from qualified organizations, including non-profits, institutions of higher education, and other entities to work in partnership with DRA to develop and deploy a nationally recognized technical assistance program.

DRA’s investment will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and job training to support economic development in communities across the Alabama Black Belt.

CLARKSDALE, MS – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has been elected the 2022 DRA States’ Co-Chairman.  DRA’s Board of Governors annually elect a States’ Co-Chairman to work directly with the Federal Co-Chairman on economic development and growth in the DRA region.

Two New Orleans-based organizations among 10 projects selected for funding.

$1.9 million invested into 10 workforce training projects from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

NEW ORLEANS – Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today graduates 24 regional leaders from the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.  

NEW ORLEANS - Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Alternate Federal Co-Chairwoman Leslie Durham will be joined by Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and additional Louisiana leaders to announce $1.9 Million in investments through the 2021 Delta Workforce Grant Program. 

Illinois-native Andy Sisulak appointed to serve as 2022 Chair for Delta Leadership Institute’s alumni network.

CLARKSDALE, MS – Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced Andy Sisulak has been appointed as 2022 Chairman of the Delta Leadership Network (DLN) Regional Advisory Council.

Early bird registration for Delta Summit 2022 ends Friday, January 7th at 11:59 PM CT. The early bird rate is $200 for the 3-day conference.  Register today to take advantage of the discounted price.

In This Issue

• A Letter from the Alternate Federal Co-Chairwoman
• Delta Summit 2022 Dates Announced
• Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy Names 2022 Fellows
• DRA & Delta Leadership Network Supporting Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland in Aftermath of Deadly Tornados

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today that the Delta Leadership Network (DLN) is partnering with Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland and Feeding America National Organization to help those impacted by the “Quad-State Tornado'' and numerous thunderstorms last Friday evening. Monetary donations will be collected and tracked by Feeding America, who will then distribute them to local food networks in devastated areas of five DRA states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Delta Summit 2022 will take place March 29-31, 2022 in New Orleans.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today named 33 community leaders from all eight DRA states as fellows of the 2022 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.  DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt.

Delta Regional Authority Statement on President Biden’s Signing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

Durham is the first Louisianan and the first woman appointed to DRA by a President of the United States.

In This Issue

• Delta Summit Postponed until 2022
• DRA, HRSA Announces FY 2021 Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program Grant Awardee
• FY 2022 Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program Funding Opportunity Now Open; HRSA Technical Assistance Webinar Nov. 10th

Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the Health Resources & Services Administration’s (HRSA) Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, today announced Louisiana Tech University was awarded a $600,000 grant through the Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program.  A Notice of Funding Opportunity for FY 2022 is now open with an estimated $1.4 million total program funding to be awarded.

In This Issue

• U.S. Department of Labor Awards $14.5 Million in Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Grants to Programs in DRA Footprint
• Delta Region Community Health Services Program Graduates Seven Regional Hospitals
• Application Deadlines are Approaching for Two DRA Programs
• Delta Broadband Mapping Project Continues to Collect Data for DRA States

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), today announced a $14,587,500 investment to 12 programs designed to provide employment and training services to workers and job seekers.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) officials today met with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) officials and community partners for a pre-site visit on behalf of the recently awarded Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) medical mission. The West Kentucky Mission was awarded by DoD last month and will occur in Hopkinsville in Summer 2022. DRA partners with DoD and the U.S. Military’s reserve forces to bring medical, dental, and optical care to Delta residents in need of quality healthcare at no cost to the patients.

DRA is now accepting applications for the 2022 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.  DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.  Chosen through a competitive application process, the 2022 Executive Academy class will include approximately 30 fellows from each of the eight DRA states.  

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today opened the application cycle for the 2021 Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP). The program invests federal resources across the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions particularly hard hit by industrial downsizing, business closures, and job losses as a result of the public health and economic crises.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today opened the application for the 2022 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.  DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. Chosen through a competitive application process, the 2022 Executive Academy class will include approximately 30 fellows from each of the eight DRA states.  

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) medical missions to three Delta communities.  The West Kentucky (Hopkinsville), South Central Missouri (Eminence, Ava, and Houston), and Southern Illinois (Carbondale) missions will be held in Summer 2022.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today the inaugural Delta Summit will be held in New Orleans, LA from December 7-9, 2021. Delta Summit 2021 is designed to bring together community leaders and subject matter experts from across the eight-state DRA region to discuss and learn more about the region’s opportunities for economic development, rural revitalization, and community resiliency.  

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today recognized the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Military’s reserve forces for providing nearly $900,000 in estimated value of services during the Delta Wellness Mission 2021. 

The final grant application for the Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program is due today, Friday, July 9. This funding opportunity, provided by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will support education and training for future and current health administration professionals in the rural counties and parishes of the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Military’s reserve forces, will host the tri-state Delta Wellness Mission 2021 in Lake Village, AR; Greenville, MS; and Lake Providence, LA from July 9-17, 2021 to bring medical, dental, and optical care to Delta residents in need of quality healthcare at no cost to the patients.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announces the Notice for Funding Opportunity for the Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program to support education and training for future and current health administration professionals in the rural counties and parishes of the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), today announces the Notice for Funding Opportunity for the Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program to support education and training for future and current health administration professionals in the rural counties and parishes of the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the U.S Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), today announced the availability of approximately $29.2 million in a third round of grant funding for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative.  Grants ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 million will be made available to create economic prosperity, gainful employment, and high-quality career outcomes for workers who reside in the Delta and Appalachian regions, enabling them to remain and thrive in these communities.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today the launch of the Delta Broadband Mapping Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening broadband infrastructure that supports telehealth, distance learning, and remote work throughout the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state DRA region. 

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today the launch of the Delta Broadband Mapping Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening broadband infrastructure that supports telehealth, distance learning, and remote work throughout the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state DRA region. 

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today the launch of the Delta Broadband Mapping Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening broadband infrastructure that supports telehealth, distance learning, and remote work throughout the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state DRA region.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today the launch of the Delta Broadband Mapping Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening broadband infrastructure that supports telehealth, distance learning, and remote work throughout the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state DRA region.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today the launch of the Delta Broadband Mapping Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening broadband infrastructure that supports telehealth, distance learning, and remote work throughout the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state DRA region.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today the launch of the Delta Broadband Mapping Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening broadband infrastructure that supports telehealth, distance learning, and remote work throughout the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state DRA region.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today the launch of the Delta Broadband Mapping Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening broadband infrastructure that supports telehealth, distance learning, and remote work throughout the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state DRA region.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today the launch of the Delta Broadband Mapping Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening broadband infrastructure that supports telehealth, distance learning, and remote work throughout the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state DRA region.

Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) extended a Request for Proposals (RFP) deadline seeking a contractor with demonstrated experience in managing website development projects and expertise in best practices for website design, development, and deployment.  The new deadline for submitting a proposal is Monday, April 5th at 5:00 PM CT.

Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking proposals from institutions of higher education located within the DRA state to investigate the economic competitiveness impact of tributaries stemming from major waterway systems connecting to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) opened the 2021 funding cycle for the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP).  SEDAP provides direct investments into community-based and regional projects to support basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, workforce development, and small business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship.  Under federal law, at least 75 percent of DRA funds must be invested in economically distressed counties and parishes. 

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today invites DRA communities to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply (NOI) to host a 2023 Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) medical mission.  The deadline to submit an NOI is April 30, 2021, and eligible communities must be located within the DRA footprint of its eight-state region.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced ten additional healthcare facilities chosen to participate in the Delta Region Community Health Systems Development – Technical Assistance Program (DRCHSD), which enhances healthcare delivery in the Delta through intensive, in-depth and long-term technical assistance to rural hospitals and medical facilities.

Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) issued a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit responses from qualified contractors to provide website design, development, hosting, and content migration services for www.dra.gov.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will hold a medical mission in Lake Providence, LA from July 8-18, 2021.  Through a partnership with DoD and the U.S Military’s reserve forces, DRA supports the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program to bring medical, dental, and optical care to Delta residents in need of quality healthcare at no cost to the patients.  

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will hold a medical mission in Greenville, MS from July 8-18, 2021.  Through a partnership with DoD and the U.S Military’s reserve forces, DRA supports the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program to bring medical, dental, and optical care to Delta residents in need of quality healthcare at no cost to the patients.  

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will host a medical mission in Lake Village, AR from July 8-18, 2021.  Through a partnership with DoD and the U.S. Military’s reserve forces, DRA supports the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program to bring medical, dental, and optical care to Delta residents in need of quality healthcare at no cost to the patients.

CLARKSDALE, MS – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today Missouri Governor Mike Parson has been elected the 2021 DRA States’ Co-Chairman.  DRA’s Board of Governors annually elect a States’ Co-Chairman to work directly with the Federal Co-Chairman on economic development and growth in the DRA region.

CLARKSDALE, MS—Delta Regional Authority Chairman Chris Caldwell today issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow:

Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) named three Illinois leaders as fellows of the 2021 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.  DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from DRA’s eight-state region.  The 2021 DLI class will consist of 30 fellows from all eight DRA states.

Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) named three Tennessee leaders as fellows of the 2021 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.  DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from DRA’s eight-state region.  The 2021 DLI class will consist of 30 fellows from all eight DRA states.

Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) named five Louisiana leaders as fellows of the 2021 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.  DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from DRA’s eight-state region.  The 2021 DLI class will consist of 30 fellows from all eight DRA states.

Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) named four Missouri leaders as fellows of the 2021 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.  DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from DRA’s eight-state region.  The 2021 DLI class will consist of 30 fellows from all eight DRA states.

Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) named four Mississippi leaders as fellows of the 2021 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy.  DLI is an extensive, nine-month executive leadership program that brings together public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders from DRA’s eight-state region.  The 2021 DLI class will consist of 30 fellows from all eight DRA states.