Delta Regional Authority FY2024 Budget Congressional Justification

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2024 BUDGET 

CONGRESSIONAL JUSTIFICATION
Delta Regional Authority FY2024 Budget Congressional Justification

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Federal Co-Chair

About the Delta Regional Authority

Section I: Budget

FY 2024 Budget Justification

Funding Sources

Authorization

Interagency Partnerships & Initiatives

US Department of Agriculture - , Rural Community Advancement Program

Department of Labor - WORC

Economic Development Authority

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Section II: Legislative Requests

Section III: DRA Administrative

FY 2023 Designated Areas 

Distressed Counties and Parishes

Non-Distressed Counties and Parishes

Isolated Areas within Non-Distressed Counties and Parishes

FY 2023 State Allocation Formula

Regional Development Plan IV

DRA Strategic Goals

Section IV: DRA Critical Infrastructure Programs

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

Community Infrastructure Fund

Economic Development Authority Grants Program

Section V: DRA Human Infrastructure Programs

Delta Leadership Institute

Delta Health Programs

Section VI: DRA Capacity Building Programs

Delta Workforce Program

Strategic Planning Grants 

Local Development District Pilot Program
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March 13, 2023

LETTER FROM THE FEDERAL CO-CHAIR

On behalf of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA or Authority), I am pleased to present the 

attached budget justification for Fiscal Year 2024.

The 2024 Budget requests $30.1 million to support the grant-making activities and operations of 

the Authority. Since its establishment in 2000, DRA’s mission has remained unchanged – to 

strengthen the economic development of distressed and rural communities throughout an eightstate region and 252 counties and parishes by making strategic, equitable investments.

In February 2023, the Authority approved and released Navigating the Currents of Opportunity: 

DRA Regional Development Plan IV. This plan is not just a statement of our priorities, but a 

driver of the actions we will embark on from 2023 through 2027 to capitalize on tremendous 

opportunities, focus on rural and distressed communities, and to strengthen regional economic 

development. The DRA Regional Development Plan IV presents our roadmap for creating jobs, 

building communities, and improving the lives of the 10 million people who reside in the 252 

counties and parishes of the eight-state Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. 

Building on our previous successes, the plan establishes ambitious new goals, strategies, action 

steps, and guiding principles to achieve our vision for the future.

Since my appointment as Federal Co-Chair, I have led efforts to structure and staff DRA to 

fulfill its statutory purposes and ensure sustainable impact. As outlined in the FY 2024 Budget, 

more than $16 million of the funds will be allocated to financial assistance programs to make 

available grants to eligible entities throughout the Mississippi River Delta Region. The Authority 

will leverage its FY 2024 Budget with supplemental appropriations, such as the Bipartisan 

Infrastructure Law, and interagency partnership programs to expand DRA’s reach into the 

distressed, rural, and historically marginalized communities within our region. 

I look forward to fulfilling the statutory intent of DRA and stewarding the resources in the FY 

2024 Budget with integrity with an emphasis on equitable access, data informed decision

making, and quantifiable outcomes.

Sincerely,

Dr. Corey Wiggins

Federal Co-Chair
Delta Regional Authority FY2024 Budget Congressional Justification

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ABOUT THE DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY

DRA was established in 2000 as a formal framework for joint Federal-State collaboration to

promote and encourage the economic development of the lower Mississippi River region and 

Alabama Black Belt. DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic 

public infrastructure, workforce training, and business development. DRA’s mission is to help 

create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those who reside in the 252 counties and 

parishes of the eight-state region. DRA seeks to help create jobs, ensure job retention, support 

opportunities to train workers and positively impact communities throughout the DRA footprint

State Members - Board of Governor

Governor Kaye Ivy, State of Alabama 

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, State of Arkansas 

Governor JB Pritzker, State of Illinois 

Governor Andy Beshear, Commonwealth of Kentucky 

Governor John Bel Edwards, State of Louisiana 

Governor Tate Reeves, State of Mississippi 

Governor Micahel L. Parsons, State of Missouri 

Governor Bill Lee, State of Tennessee 
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Section I

Budget
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FY 2024 CONGRESSIONAL JUSTIFICATION

Introduction

This narrative serves as justification for the Delta Regional Authority’s FY 2024 Budget. DRA’s 

eight member states (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, 

Tennessee) pay for 50% of DRA’s administrative budget, less the expenses of the Office of the 

Federal Co-Chair (100% Federal), through their annual state assessments. This budget 

justification presents the full budget, including the Federal appropriation and state assessments. 

Source and Uses of Appropriations

The attached budget table indicates the source and uses of DRA’s federal appropriation and a 

detailed presentation of its expenditures as follows:

● FY 2022 Enacted Budget

● FY 2023 Enacted Budget

● FY 2024 Budget Request

Format and Content

DRA’s administrative budget is presented in three sections:

1. Source: where funding is sourced from (i.e. Federal appropriations and state 

assessments).

2. Uses: how the funding is used (i.e. grant programs and administration).

3. Administration: administrative expenses shown by classification.
Delta Regional Authority FY2024 Budget Congressional Justification

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Table 1: FY 2024 Budget Summary

FY 2022 

Enacted 

(Actual)* 

FY 2023

Enacted 

FY 2024 

Budget **

Change

Source

Federal 

Appropriations

$30,100,000 $30,100,000 $30,100,000 $0

Uses

States’ Economic 

Development 

Assistance 

Program

$12,831,106 $12,278,214 $12,278,214 0

Community 

Infrastructure 

Fund

$15,000,000 $15,000,000 $15,000,000 0

Local 

Development 

Districts

$554,000 $554,000 $554,000 0

Administration $1,714,894 2,267,786 2,267,786 0

Total Federal 

Appropriations

$30,100,000 $30,100,000 $30,100,000 $ -

*This table includes information on DRA's annual appropriations and does not include resources 

provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). See 

following budget table for information on BIL funding.

** This table does not include discretionary collections of user fees for the Delta Doctors 

Program, as proposed in the 2024 President’s Budget and discussed in Section II: Legislative 

Proposals of this Congressional Justification. If the legislative proposal is enacted, the user fees 

would be collected and spent on the Delta Doctors Program in FY 2024. The Budget estimates 

collections at $352 thousand in FY 2024.
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Table 2: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Spend Plan Summary

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provided $150 million for DRA programs. DRA’s 

proposed spend plan increases the funding availability for three existing grant programs, 

including SEDAP, CIF, and the Delta Workforce Grant Program. Additionally, the proposed 

spend plan incorporates capacity-building initiatives such as an LDD Pilot Program, Strategic 

Planning Grants, and Research & Data Analytics. Finally, DRA proposes to use approximately 4

percent of BIL funds for administrative expenses. DRA’s proposed BIL spend plan is subject to 

change to reflect priorities of the new administration.

FY 2022 BIL 

Budget

FY2023 BIL 

Budget

FY 2024 BIL 

Budget Change

Source

BIL Appropriation $28,812,000 $31,782,000 $31,782,000 $ -

Total $28,812,000 $31,782,000 $31,782,00 $ -

Uses

States’ Economic Development 

Assistance Program

$5,000,000 $5,000,000 $5,000,000 $ -

Community Infrastructure Fund $15,000,000 $15,000,000 $15,000,000 $ -

Delta Workforce Grant Program $6,000,000 $6,000,000 $6,000,000 $ -

Local Development Districts Pilot 

Program

0 $2,970,000 $2,970,000 $ -

Strategic Planning Grants $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $ -

Administration $1,312,000 $1,312,000 $1,312,000 $ -

Total $28,812,000 $31,782,000 $31,782,000 $ -

Note: This table includes information on resources provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 

(BIL) / Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and only reflects a proposed spend plan 

which is subject to change. DRA’s proposed spend plan was developed over a five-year time 

span to obligate the $150 million provided in the BIL.
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Table 3: Summary of Resources

Carryover Supplemental/

Rescission

Total 

Resources

Obligations Net Outlays

Enacted/Requested

2022 

Appropriation

 

$30,100,000 

$33,427,021 $150,000,000 183,427,021 65,030,224 18,243,126

2023 

Appropriation

 

30,100,000 

148,515,975 - 178,615,975 35,000,000 47,000,000

2024 

President's 

Budget

 

30,100,000 

109,000,000 - 139,100,000 55,000,000 59,000,000

Change from 

2023

 

- 

(39,515,975) - (39,515,975) 20,000,000 12,000,000

Administration

Administrative funds necessary to support the Office of the Federal Co-Chair and carry out 

Authority programs and initiatives are presented below. Salary levels below reflect the 5.2% 

Federal civilian wage increase. DRA does not reside in the federally approved jurisdictions to 

qualify for the 0.5% locality pay adjustment. DRA does not plan any reallocations within the 

fiscal year. 
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Office of the Federal Co-Chair

The Office of the Federal Co-Chair consists of two presidentially appointed positions: the 

Federal Co-Chair (PAS) and Alternate Federal Co-Chair (PA). 

FY 2024 Budget: Office of the Federal Co-Chair

 Salaries $ 341,912

Fringe Benefits (30%) 102,574

Travel 60,000

Telephone, postage, ofc equipment rentals 2,800

Professional Services/Contractual 47,240

Leases, printing, graphics 113,697

Vehicle Operations 28,600

Training/Professional Development 15,000

Capital Equipment 33,500

Supplies 7,700

Total $753,023
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The Authority

Administrative funds necessary to carry out Authority programs and initiatives are presented 

below.

Salaries

Salaries consist of payroll for 22 non-Federal positions.

Fringe Benefits

The effective fringe benefit rate is 30 percent of salaries, which represents both mandatory and 

voluntary salary-related expenditures.

Travel

Travel includes mileage and/or fuel, rental vehicles, hotels, airfare, meals & incidentals, taxis, 

parking fees, etc., consisting primarily of trips to small rural towns, communities, and 

counties/parishes without access to major modes of public transportation (i.e. air/rail) throughout 

200,000 square miles, 252 counties/parishes, and more than 500 cities/towns in the eight-state 

FY 2024 Budget: The Authority

Salaries $1,319,072

Fringe Benefits (30%) 395,722

Travel 233,000

Professional Services/Contractual 545,089

Leases, printing, graphics 43,210

Telephone, postage, office equipment rentals 40,200

Printing/Graphics/Photos 47,000

Training/Professional Development 42,770

Supplies 163,463

Capital Equipment 200,000

Total $3,029,526
Delta Regional Authority FY2024 Budget Congressional Justification

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region. DRA’s service area presents logistical challenges that often necessitates multiple modes 

of travel (i.e. air and vehicle travel).

Professional Services/Contractual

Professional Services/Contractual includes expenses for specialists that provide unique services 

that are otherwise unavailable to be provided by DRA staff.

Leases/Furnishings

Leases/Furnishings consists of long-term leases for the Regional Headquarters (Clarksdale, MS) 

and Federal Office (Washington, DC) as well as related furnishings.

Telecommunications/Utilities

Telecommunications/Utilities consists of internet, business phones, basic utilities, and related 

items. 

Meetings & Events

Meetings and Events consists of venues, materials, and food and beverages (non-alcoholic) 

related to the meeting or event.

Equipment

Equipment consists of computers, printers, external monitors, accessories, and related items.

Supplies

Supplies consists of stationary, writing utensils, binders, folders, and related items.

Communications

Communications consists of graphic design, publications, printing, advertisements, marketing, 

community outreach, and related software. 

Professional Development

Professional development consists of training for staff that is aligned with essential job duties 

and the mission of the Authority, including program-specific education, management 

development, and leadership training.
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Federal Partnership and Initiatives

With the support of other federal agencies DRA is able to increase its capacity to make 

investments throughout the Delta Region and Alabama Blackbelt. DRA receives the following 

support:

Federal Agency FY 2023

USDA – Rural Community Advancement Program (RCAP) $3,000,000

EDA $3,000,000

DOL - Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) $425,000

DOD – Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) 0

HRSA 0
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Section II: 

Legislative Requests
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DRA requests the following legislative proposals for changes to appropriations language and 

authorizing language. 

Appropriations Language Proposals

The 2024 President’s Budget includes the following: 

• Deletion of Sunsetting Provision: DRA requests appropriations language to amend 

DRA’s authorizing statute to remove section 382N of the Delta Regional Authority Act 

of 2000, which sunsets the agency on October 1, 2023. 

DRA continued authorization is vital to the DRA Region and to the economic stability of 

the United States. DRA Region is home to 252 counties and parishes, 221 of which are 

in persistent poverty and 232 of which are economically distressed. In addition to the 

DRA region states’ more than 200 federally declared disasters in the last five years, the 

COVID-19 pandemic more acutely surfaced what we already knew to be true of our 

region: limited infrastructure that connects us; inequitable access to economic 

opportunities; health resources are stretched thin; and fragile regional systems that 

support community capacity. Yet the beauty, resources, and people of this region speak to 

its unmistakable economic, cultural, and historical contribution to the surrounding states 

and to the country.

Since 2000, DRA has pursued its vision of the region as a place where people and 

businesses have access to economic opportunities in vibrant, sustainable, and resilient 

communities. To realize this vision, DRA has embraced its mission of applying 

innovative ideas and strategies to foster inclusive communities, strengthen regional 

collaboration, and achieve sustained economic development. Within this context, DRA’s 

initiatives work to combat persistent poverty, assist distressed communities, and enhance 

community capacity through the development of basic and transportation infrastructure, 

creation of jobs, expansion of business, and development of entrepreneurial local 

economies.

• Authority to collect and spend discretionary user fees: DRA requests authority to collect 

and spend discretionary user fees in conjunction with the Delta Doctors J-1 Visa 

Program. The Budget estimates user fee collections of approximately $350,000 in FY 

2024 and on an annual basis. 

The Delta Doctors Program increases the number of doctors serving Delta residents. The 

program allows foreign physicians who are trained in the United States to work in 

medically underserved areas for three years by providing those physicians with J-1 Visa 

Waivers. Participants in the Delta Doctors program do not take jobs away from US-born 

physicians. Instead, they provide services in areas where there would otherwise be a 

shortage of physicians. The impact of Delta Doctors in the region can be realized by the 

access to quality affordable healthcare and the economic impact the doctors make on the 

community in which they reside and practice. On average, each “Delta Doctor” is 

estimated to create 5 full-time jobs within their clinics and offices, and an additional 3.4 
Delta Regional Authority FY2024 Budget Congressional Justification

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full and part-time jobs within the communities where they work.

Under the proposed authority, DRA would collect user fees from health care institutions 

and spend the collections on the operation and staffing of the Delta Doctors Program. 

Authorizing Language Proposals

The 2024 President’s Budget includes the following:

• Add “Indian Tribes” to Eligible Grantee Entities: DRA requests an amendment to 

expressly include “tribes” in DRA’s statute as an eligible entity. 

• Expand Grantmaking Language to Align with Other Commissions: DRA requests that 

its statute be amended to align its authority for making grants for certain purposes 

with the language of Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, Southwest Border 

Regional Commission, and Northern Border Regional Commission, so that it has 

express authority for grantmaking in the areas of healthcare, conservation, renewable 

energy, and related areas. Specifically, DRA requests that the language in subsections 

(a)(5), (a)(6) and (a)(7) of section 15501 of title 40, United States Code, be added to 

DRA’s statute. 

Appropriations Language

The 2024 President’s Budget includes proposed changes in the appropriations language listed 

below. New language is italicized, and language proposed for deletion is bracketed.

Delta Regional Authority

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

For expenses necessary for the Delta Regional Authority and to carry out its activities, as 

authorized by the Delta Regional Authority Act of 2000, notwithstanding sections 382F(d), 

382M, and 382N of said Act, $30,100,000, to remain available until expended. Provided, That 

notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal 

year thereafter, the Delta Regional Authority may assess and collect fees to cover the costs of 

operating a visa sponsorship program for medical professionals in the States that are 

participating members of the Delta Regional Authority: Provided further, That any funds 

collected pursuant to the preceding proviso shall be credited to this appropriation and shall 

remain available until expended for the costs of operating such program: Provided further, That 

section 382N of the Delta Regional Authority Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-13) is hereby 

repealed.

(Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023.)
Delta Regional Authority FY2024 Budget Congressional Justification

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Section II: 

DRA Administrative 
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DRA funds core agency positions, functions, and other core expenses, such as office space 

necessary to carryout the duties of the Delta Regional Authority as specified by 7 U. S. C. 

Section 2009aa- 1(d) with annual appropriations pursuant to the administrative expense sharing 

as provided by 7 U. S. C. Section 2009aa -1(g).

Other statutory administrative requirements include the designation of areas eligible for support, 

conferring with state members during an annual Quorum meeting and other Authority meetings 

as necessary, and publication of Regional Development Plans every five years and an annual 

report describing the activities carried out.

DESIGNATED AREAS

U.S.C.A. §2009aa-5(a) requires the Delta Regional Authority to annually designate counties and 

parishes within the Delta Region as distressed and non-distressed; and isolated areas of distress. 

Delta Regional Authority, by using the formula of the Economic Development Administration, 

has presented and proposed the designation of the counties and parishes within the Delta Region 

as distressed and non-distressed and isolated areas of distress as independently prepared by the 

Central Mississippi Planning and Development District.

The following tables are the 2023 designated distressed/non-distressed counties/parishes and 

isolated areas of distress.

2023 Distressed Counties and Parishes within the DRA Region

Alabama

Barbour

Bullock

Butler

Choctaw

Clarke

Conecuh

Dallas

Escambia

Greene

Hale

Lowndes

Macon

Marengo

Monroe

Perry

Pickens

Russell

Sumter

Washington

Wilcox

Arkansas

Ashley 

Baxter

Bradley

Calhoun

Chicot

Clay

Cleveland

Craighead

Crittenden

Cross

Dallas

Desha

Drew

Fulton

Grant

Greene

Independence

Izard

Jackson

Jefferson

Lawrence

Lee

Lincoln

Lonoke

Marion

Mississippi

Monroe

Ouachita

Phillips

Poinsett

Prairie

Randolph

St. Francis

Searcy

Sharp

Stone

Union

Van Buren

White

Woodruff

Illinois

Alexander
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Franklin

Gallatin

Hardin

Jackson

Johnson

Massac

Perry

Pope

Pulaski

Randolph

Saline

Union

Kentucky

Ballard

Caldwell

Calloway

Christian

Crittenden

Fulton

Graves

Henderson

Hopkins

Livingston

Lyon

McLean

Marshall

Muhlenberg

Todd

Trigg

Union

Webster

Louisiana

Acadia

Allen

Assumption

Avoyelles

Beauregard

Bienville

Caldwell

Catahoula

Claiborne

Concordia

East Carroll

East Feliciana

Evangeline

Franklin

Grant

Iberia

Iberville

Jackson

Jefferson Davis

LaSalle

Lafourche

St. Bernard

St. Charles

St. Helena

St. James

St. John the Baptist

St. Landry

St. Martin

St. Mary

Tangipahoa

Tensas

Union

Vermilion

Washington

Webster

West Baton Rouge

West Carroll

West Feliciana

Winn

Missouri

Bollinger

Butler

Cape Girardeau

Carter

Crawford

Dent

Douglas

Dunklin

Howell

Iron

Madison

Mississippi

New Madrid

Oregon

Ozark

Pemiscot

Perry

Phelps

Reynolds

Ripley

Scott

Shannon

Ste. Genevieve

St. Francois

Stoddard

Texas

Washington

Wayne

Wright

Mississippi

Adams

Amite

Attala

Benton

Bolivar

Carol

Claiborne

Coahoma

Copiah

Covington

Desoto

Franklin

Grenada

Hinds

Holmes

Humphreys

Issaquena

Jasper

Jefferson Davis

Lafayette

Lawrence

Leflore Lincoln

Marion

Marshall

Montgomery

Panola

Pike

Quitman

Rankin

Sharkey

Simpson

Smith
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Sunflower

Tallahatchie

Tate

Tippah

Tunica

Union

Walthall

Warren

Washington

Wilkinson

Yalobusha

Yazoo

Tennessee

Benton

Carroll

Chester

Crockett

Decatur

Gibson

Hardeman

Hardin

Haywood

Henderson

Henry

Lake

Lauderdale

Madison

McNairy

Obion

Shelby

Tipton

Weakley
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2023 Non-Distressed Counties and Parishes within the DRA Region 

Alabama 

None 

Arkansas 

Arkansas 

Pulaski 

Illinois 

Hamilton 

White 

Williamson 

Kentucky 

Carlisle 

Hickman 

McCracken 

Louisiana 

Ascension 

Cameron 

De Soto 

East Baton Rouge 

Jefferson 

Plaquemines 

Pointe Coupee 

Rapides 

Red River 

St. Charles 

West Baton Rogue 

Missouri 

None 

Mississippi 

Madison 

Tennessee 

Dyer 

Fayette 
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2023 List of Isolated Areas within Non-Distressed Counties and Parishes within the DRA 

Region 

Arkansas

Arkansas County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

4801, 4802, 4803, 4804, 4805, 4806, 4807, 4808 

Pulaski County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

5, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20.01, 20.02, 21.02, 21.03, 22.09, 24.03, 24.05, 24.09, 24.1, 25,

26, 27, 28, 29, 30.01, 30.02, 31, 32.02, 32.07, 32.08, 33.03, 33.05, 33.06, 34.04, 34.05,

34.06, 36.04, 36.05, 36.06, 36.07, 36.08, 36.09, 37.04, 37.11, 38, 39, 40.01, 40.04,

40.05, 40.06, 41.03, 41.04, 41.05, 41.06, 41.07, 41.08, 42.01, 42.2, 42.26, 43.02, 43.07,

43.1, 45, 46, 47, 9802, 9803, 9804

Illinois

Hamilton County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

9731, 9732, 9733

White County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

9580, 9582, 9583, 9584

Williamson County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

201, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208.01, 208.02, 210.01, 211, 214

Kentucky

Carlisle County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

9602, 9603
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Hickman County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

9701

McCracken County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers

301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313.01, 314.01, 315.01, 315.02

Louisiana

Ascension Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers

302.08, 302.15, 304.03, 304.04, 304.05, 305.02, 309, 310.01, 310.02

Cameron Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

9702.03

De Soto Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

9501.01, 9502, 9503, 9504, 9505, 9506, 9507

East Baton Rouge Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.01, 6.02, 7.01, 7.02, 9, 10, 11.02, 11.03, 11.04, 18, 22, 24, 25, 28.01,

28.02, 30, 31.04, 32.01, 32.02, 33, 34, 35.01, 35.04, 35.05, 35.06, 35.07, 36.01, 36.03,

36.04, 37.02, 38.04, 38.11, 39.07, 39.1, 39.11, 39.12, 40.13, 40.17, 40.18, 40.23, 40.24,

40.28, 40.29, 40.3, 40.31, 42.01, 42.03, 42.04, 42.05, 45.03, 45.04, 45.09, 45.12, 45.13,

46.03, 46.06, 47, 51, 52, 53

Jefferson Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers

202.05, 203.04, 205.02, 205.05, 205.07, 205.13, 205.16, 206, 210, 212, 213, 215,

216.01, 216.02, 226.01, 233, 235, 236, 237, 246.01, 249, 250.02, 250.03, 250.04,
Delta Regional Authority FY2024 Budget Congressional Justification

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250.05, 251.02, 251.03, 251.04, 252.01, 252.02, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260,

261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 275.01, 275.02, 276.01, 276.02,

277.01, 277.03, 278.03, 278.06, 278.1, 278.11, 278.12, 278.16, 278.19, 278.2, 279.03,

279.04, 280, 282, 283, 287, 291, 296, 297, 298, 299, 302

Plaquemines Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

501, 502.02, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508

Pointe Coupee Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

9519, 9520, 9521, 9522.01, 9523, 9524

Rapides Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

101.02, 103, 105.01, 105.02, 106, 107.01, 110, 113, 115.01, 115.02, 116, 117, 120,

121, 122, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132.01, 133, 135.01, 135.02, 136, 137,

138, 139

Red River Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

9601, 9603

St. Charles Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

621, 622, 623.01, 624, 627, 628, 629, 630

West Baton Rouge Parish

Distressed Census Tract Numbers 

201, 202, 203.01, 204.01

Mississippi

Madison County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers

301.05, 301.08, 301.12, 305.01, 305.02, 306, 309, 310, 311
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Tennessee

Dyer County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

9640.01, 9640.02, 9643, 9644.01, 9644.02, 9645, 9646, 9648 

Fayette County

Distressed Census Tract Numbers:

603, 604.03, 605.01, 605.02, 606, 608
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STATE ALLOCATION FORMULA

U.S.C.A. §2009aa-1(c)(2)(c) requires a quorum of the state members of the Delta Regional 

Authority be present to vote on any allocation of funds among the states. 

During its 2023 Quorum Meeting in February of 2023 Delta Regional Authority adopted the 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program 2023 Allocation Formula. .The proposed 

allocation is based upon the formula below used in the past by the Delta Regional Authority. 

Several factors are used in the allocation methodology and carry specific weight including the 

following: 

Equity Factor 50% 

Distressed Population 20% 

Distressed County Area 20% 

Population Factor 10% 

Total 100%

It is anticipated that the same allocation formula will be utilized in FY2024 
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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN IV

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), an independent federal agency that works to promote 

economic and community development in the Delta region, adopted its fourth Regional 

Development Plan (RDP IV) in February of 2023 as an assessment of, and a response to, the 

region’s myriad opportunities, assets, and challenges. Navigating the Currents of Opportunity: 

DRA Regional Development Plan IV (2023 – 2027) charts a path toward realizing the DRA’s 

vision, executing its mission, and supporting economic progress over the next five years, in 

concert with the region’s residents, businesses, communities, and other DRA partners. The full 

RDPIV can be found on DRA’s website.

In formulating Regional Development Plan IV and its goals and strategies, DRA analyzed 

quantitative local, state, and regional data, along with qualitative inputs from collaborators. DRA 

engaged a range of stakeholders – community residents, business leaders, DRA partners, Delta 

Leadership Institute (DLI) alumni, local development district (LDD) members, and government 

representatives, among others. Through surveys and collaboration sessions, these parties 

generously provided views and ideas related to the challenges facing the region and ways in 

which DRA can best pursue its vision and mission.

VISION

The DRA Region is home to 252 counties and parishes, 221 of which are in persistent poverty 

and 232 of which are economically distressed. In addition to the DRA region states’ more than 

200 federally declared disasters in the last five years, the COVID-19 pandemic more acutely 

surfaced what we already knew to be true of our region: limited infrastructure that connects us; 

inequitable access to economic opportunities; health resources are stretched thin; and fragile 

regional systems that support community capacity. Yet the beauty, resources, and people of this 

region speak to its unmistakable economic, cultural, and historical contribution to the 

surrounding states and to the country. 

Since 2000, DRA has pursued its vision of the region as a place where people and businesses 

have access to economic opportunities in vibrant, sustainable, and resilient communities. To 

realize this vision, DRA has embraced its mission of applying innovative ideas and strategies to 

foster inclusive communities, strengthen regional collaboration, and achieve sustained economic 

development. 

MISSION

DRA’s initiatives work to combat persistent poverty, assist distressed communities, and enhance 

community capacity through the development of basic and transportation infrastructure, creation 

of jobs, expansion of business, and development of entrepreneurial local economies.

MANAGEMENT GOAL

DRA is committed to enhancing its operations and funding processes to align more closely with 

the objectives of federal programs, such as the Justice40 Initiative, and to increase engagement 

with historically marginalized groups.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES
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Several guiding principles help to keep DRA’s initiatives, and its operational and administrative 

processes, on course. Key among these principles are to engage in initiatives that advance greater 

equity, elevate rural communities, apply innovative practices, and enhance collaboration among 

stakeholders. 

DRA seeks and supports new and proven economic development solutions that not only address 

specific problems but also accelerate regional progress toward its vision. 
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DRA STRATEGIC GOALS

The DRA’s strategic goals reflect the Authority’s fourfold commitment to advancing 

infrastructure, job creation, business expansion, and local economies. These goals and their 

supporting strategies have been carefully conceived to achieve progress toward realizing the

DRA’s vision and fulfilling its mission, and to demonstrate the broad range of opportunities, 

initiatives, and activities that the DRA may consider funding.

GOAL 1. We invest in public infrastructure.

DRA will expand and invest in the resiliency of the region’s public infrastructure to improve 

residents’ quality of life and increase economic opportunity. This includes utilities (e.g., water, 

sewer), digital communications, (e.g., broadband, cellular), and transportation (e.g., roads 

improvements, public transit).

GOAL 2. We promote business growth and entrepreneurship.

DRA will strengthen the competitiveness of the region’s employers and attract new employers to 

the region. Support the long-term growth of micro and small businesses, especially those that 

promote local industries such as tourism.

GOAL 3. We nurture local workforce ecosystems.

DRA will improve networks of agencies, organizations, businesses, and educational institutions 

providing workforce development opportunities. It will promote access to services, funding, and 

programs that enable career stability, including healthcare, housing, education, and food security

GOAL 4. We support community placemaking and capacity-building.

DRA will expand efforts to enhance sustainable and inclusive local placemaking, quality of life, 

and community capacity. This includes enabling community connectedness, increased efficacy, 

leadership development, and the ability to receive federal support, especially with underresourced groups.
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Section III

Critical Infrastructure Programs 
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CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM INVESTMENTS

STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

FY 2024 Budget: $12,278,214

(In addition to the amount requested in annual appropriations, DRA anticipates allocating $5,00,000 in BIL

resources to the program in FY 2024)

The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) is DRA’s primary investment 

program. Since 2002, DRA has leveraged more than $255.8 million of its own appropriations 

with more than $4.2 billion in other public and private sector dollars. SEDAP investments are 

subject to Federal Priority Eligibility Criteria and must help improve the following in Delta 

communities:

● Basic Public Infrastructure

● Transportation Infrastructure

● Workforce Training and Education

● Business Development and Entrepreneurship

At least 50% of SEDAP funds must be invested in basic public infrastructure and transportation 

infrastructure.

At least 75% of SEDAP funds must be invested in economically distressed counties and 

parishes.

Application and Selection Process

Applications are submitted through an online portal and reviewed by Local Development 

Districts (LDD) to ensure eligibility and completeness. Once the LDDs formally submit the final 

applications through the portal DRA staff review each application in its entirety to determine 

eligibility, tier status, and follow up questions (as needed to request project-relevant 

documentation). The Board of Governors, through their Designees and Alternates, are provided a 

list of eligible projects with pertinent information to make project selections. Once the Federal 

Co-Chair and Governors concur on the project selections for each state, a formal vote is 

requested to approve the projects then a grant agreement, notice to proceed letter, and grant 

manual is provided to the grantees shortly thereafter.
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State Allocations

As approved by the Board of Governors each year at DRA’s annual quorum meeting, each state 

is allocated a specific amount of funding in accordance with DRA’s state allocation formula. For 

FY 2022, the State Allocations are shown below.

FY 2023 State Allocations*

State Allocation ($) Allocation (%)

Alabama 1,184,959.65 10.03%

Arkansas 1,653,981.56 14.00%

Illinois 915,596.94 7.75%

Kentucky 1,045,552.63 8.85%

Louisiana 2,345,109.57 19.85%

Mississippi 1,794,569.99 15.19%

Missouri 1,339,725.06 11.34%

Tennessee 1,534,658.60 12.99%

DRA Region 11,814,154.00 

100.00%

In FY 2024, the State Allocations will be calculated using the pre-approved formula, as 

demonstrated above, and may include carryover funds from the previous fiscal year.

Grant Range

SEDAP is a competitive grant program designed to stimulate and support economic development 

activities throughout the Mississippi River Delta Region and Alabama Black Belt. S 

SEDAP grants do not have a pre-established award floor nor award ceiling; however, DRA will 

incrementally integrate BIL funding with annual appropriations over a five-year period. 

Generally, awards range between $50,000 to $350,000.
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COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

FY 2024 Budget: $15,000,000

(In addition to the amount requested in annual appropriations, DRA anticipates allocating $15,00,000 in BIL 

resources to the program in FY 2024)

Complementary to SEDAP grants, the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) provides increased 

flexibility to support states and communities as they address unmet infrastructure needs in the 

region. CIF is a competitive grant program designed to catalyze and strengthen regional 

economic development activities throughout the Mississippi River Delta Region and Alabama 

Black Belt. CIF is an existing grant program, which will incrementally integrate BIL funding 

with annual appropriations over a five-year period. 

Generally, awards range between $100,000 to $1,500,000.

The CIF application cycle coincides directly with SEDAP.

Eligible Applicants:

● State and local government (including state agencies, cities, counties/parishes)

● Other public entities (including local development districts)

● Non-profit organizations

We propose amendment, specifically and exclusively, to 7 U S Code Section 2009aa-2 

Economic and Community Development Grants to add “Indian Tribes” to Eligible Entities

DRA request the following amendment,

(a) In General “The Authority may approve grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for 

projects, approved in accordance with section 2009aa–8 of this title” to read The Authority may 

approve grants to States and local governments, Indian tribes, and public and nonprofit 

organizations for projects, approved in accordance with section 2009aa–8 of this title”

Eligible Uses/Activities:

● Basic public infrastructure (ex. water and sewer systems, stormwater drainage, 

broadband)

● Transportation infrastructure

● Flood control

Period of Performance: Up to 24 months

Award Process: Applications are submitted through an online portal and reviewed by Local 

Development Districts (LDD) to ensure eligibility and completeness. Once the LDDs formally 

submit the final applications through the portal DRA staff review each application in its entirety 

to determine eligibility, tier status, and follow up questions (as needed to request project-relevant 

documentation). The Board of Governors, through their Designees and Alternates, are provided a 
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list of eligible projects with pertinent information to make project selections. Once the Federal 

Co-Chair and Governors concur on SEDAP project selections, the Federal Co-Chair reviews the 

remainder of the project list to select additional projects to be funded through CIF. Generally, the 

Federal Co-Chair approves CIF grants in proportion to the amount awarded to each state through 

CIF (for example, if Alabama receives 10% of SEDAP, the Federal Co-Chair will aim to provide 

Alabama with 10% of CIF dollars). Once projects are selected by the Federal Co-Chair, a grant 

agreement, notice to proceed letter, and grant manual is provided to the grantees shortly 

thereafter.

CIF projects are selected for award by the FCC. Generally, awards are announced in September 

through November each year.

Grant Range

CIF grants do not have a pre-established award floor nor award ceiling; however, grants 

generally range between $500,000 and $1,500,000.
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LOCAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

FY 2024 Budget: $554,000

DRA partners with 45 local development districts (LDD) to administer SEDAP grants and 

manage SEDAP projects. LDD staff review and certify SEDAP applications before submission 

to DRA to confirm the projects meet the eligibility requirements and program criteria. 

Ultimately, DRA determines if an application meets the eligibility requirements; however, LDDs 

serve as front-line project managers for DRA to provide technical assistance to prospective 

applicants, administer grant funds, and oversee DRA-funded projects during the period of 

performance. LDDs also assist prospective applicants with identifying other federal and state 

funding opportunities, when and where appropriate. All DRA applicants are encouraged to work 

closely with their LDD to identify appropriate resources for their projects.

To compensate LDDs for their technical assistance and administrative duties, DRA provides 

administrative funds to the LDD for each awarded project. The formula used for determining 

administrative funds is as follows: five percent (5%) for the first $100,000 and one percent (1%) 

of all dollars in excess of the original $100,000. For example, a $200,000 grant would include 

$6,000 in LDD administrative funds, making available $194,000 for the project award.

FY 2024 Budget: Local Development Districts

LDD Technical Assistance $554,000

Total $554,000
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Section IV

Human Infrastructure Programs 
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DRA has made significant human infrastructure investments through our Workforce, Health, and 

Leadership programs. These programs are administered with interagency support from other 

federal partner agencies, specifically the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural 

Development and U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Department of Labor 

(DOL), the Department of Defense (DOD), and U.S. Health Resources and Services 

Administration (HRSA) as presented below.

DRA administered several programs under the Human Infrastructure division to include:

Workforce Grant Programs

o Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) – supported by funds from the Bipartisan 

Infrastructure Law Funds and Department of Labor

o Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) – in partnership with and 

supported by the Department of Labor

Delta Health Collaborative Programs

o Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program (DRCHSDP) -

Supported by USDA RCAP funds

o Delta Doctors - Currently supported by USDA RCAP funds. However, the Budget 

includes a legislative proposal to allow DRA to collect discretionary user fees 

specifically to support the Delta Doctors J1 Visa Waiver program. See Section II 

Legislative Requests. 

o Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program - Supported by USDA RCAP 

funds

o Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) - Supported by USDA RCAP funds

Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) - Supported by USDA RCAP funds

Delta Capacity Building Programs

Delta Research- Supported by USDA RCAP funds

Delta Summit – Supported by USDA RCAP funds

LDD Pilot Project - Supported by funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funds

Strategic Planning Program- Supported by funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 

Funds

Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative provides funding to eligible 

applicants proposing projects that address the employment and training needs of the local and 

regional workforce, created in collaboration with community partners and aligned with existing 

economic and workforce development plans and strategies. 

The Delta Health Collaborative initiative which to administers programmatic activities related to 

several critical initiatives including, but not limited to, Delta Doctors, Innovative Readiness 

Training (IRT), Delta Region Community Health Systems Development (DRCHSD) program, 

and Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training (DRRHWT) program. For each of these 

initiatives, DRA collaborates with other federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of State 
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(DOS), U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and U.S. Health Resources and Services 

Administration (HRSA). I

The Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program enhances health care 

delivery in the Delta Region through intensive technical assistance to providers in select rural 

communities, including critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, rural health clinics and 

other healthcare organizations Forty-Two (42) facilities have participated in the program. 

The entities listed below were selected for the 2022 Cohort.

# Name Location Type

1 Bradley County Medical Center Warren, Arkansas –

Bradley County

CAH – 25 beds

2 Mainline Health Systems Dermott, Arkansas –

Chicot County

FQHC

3 Oakdale Community Hospital Oakdale, Louisiana –

Allen Parish

PPS Hospital – 49 beds

4 Hood Memorial Hospital Amite, Louisiana –

Tangipahoa Parish

CAH – 25 beds

5 Ouachita County Medical Center Camden, Arkansas –

Ouachita County

PPS hospital – 82 beds

6 Cross Ridge Community Hospital Wynne, Arkansas –

Cross County

CAH – 15 beds

7 Washington County Hospital & 

Nursing Home

Chatom, Alabama –

Washington County

CAH - 25 beds

8 Lawrence Memorial Health 

Foundation Inc.

Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 

– Lawrence County

CAH – 25 beds

9 Five Rivers Medical Center Pocahontas, Arkansas –

Randolph County

PPS Hospital – 50 beds

10 Community Health & Emergency

Services, Inc.

Cairo, Illinois –

Alexander County

FQHC

Family Health Care & Wellness 

Center

Hammond, Louisiana –

Tangipahoa Parish

RHC

Delta Doctors Program.

The Delta Doctors Program increases the number of doctors serving Delta residents. The 

program allows foreign physicians who are trained in the United States to work in medically 

underserved areas for three years by providing those physicians with J-1 Visa Waivers. 

Participants in the Delta Doctors program do not take jobs away from US-born physicians. 

Instead, they provide services in areas where there would otherwise be a shortage of physicians. 

The impact of Delta Doctors in the region can be realized by the access to quality affordable 

healthcare and the economic impact the doctors make on the community in which they reside 

and practice. On average, each “Delta Doctor” is estimated to create 5 full-time jobs within their 

clinics and offices, and an additional 3.4 full and part-time jobs within the communities where 

they work.
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DRA estimates that it will process at least 120 applications during FY2023 with the same 

amount in FY2024. 

Delta Region Rural Health Workforce Training Program.

In collaboration with Health Resources and Services Administration, the Delta Region Rural 

Health Workforce Training Program addresses the ongoing need in healthcare facilities for 

trained administrative support or business operations professionals in rural communities through 

the development of strategic networks that support recruitment, formal training, certification, and 

placement of students. This program aims to provide academic training and pathways to 

professional certifications to current administrative support professionals working in rural DRA 

region healthcare facilities as well as new entrants to the workforce and dislocated workers.

Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program.

Delta Regional Authority and the Department of Defense (DoD) have collaborated to bring the 

Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program to the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black 

Belt regions. IRT medical missions deliver quality medical care, provided by licensed medical 

professionals serving in our reserve forces, to residents of rural medically underserved 

communities. The expectation is that each mission provides care to between four and five 

thousand patients in the region. In nine years of partnership, DRA and DoD are proud to have 

delivered free medical care to more than 90,000 patients in Delta communities.

Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Program.

The Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) serves to build leadership skills among Delta residents and 

foster collaboration with partners in the public and private sectors to improve the economic and 

social viability of the Delta as well as the overall quality of life in the Delta region. Over the 

course of the Executive Academy academic year, participants attend six sessions and engage in 

training, case study discussion, and on-the-ground field studies of priority issue areas including 

workforce training and education, small business and entrepreneurship, transportation and public 

infrastructure, healthcare, and policy and governance. DRA has produced over 600 DLI alumni.
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Section V

Capacity Building Programs 
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Capacity Building Program Investments

Delta Capacity Building Programs

Delta Research- Supported by USDA RCAP funds

Delta Summit – Supported by USDA RCAP funds

LDD Pilot Project - Supported by funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funds

Strategic Planning Program- Supported by funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 

Funds

In 2023 DRA launched, with the increased resources available through the Bipartisan 

Infrastructure Law three new additional programs:

The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) is an initiative designed to build long-term 

community capacity and increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support 

workforce training and education programs throughout the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama 

Black Belt regions. DWP supports projects and initiatives that create a more vibrant economic 

future for the Delta region by expanding opportunities to recruit, train, and retain a diverse and 

local workforce, aligning workforce and economic development strategies, creating sustainable 

talent pipelines, establishing or enhancing locally/regionally significant sector-based 

partnerships, and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative 

programming or services.

The projected amount of DWP funding that will be obligated minus the cost necessary to 

administer the program in FY2023 is $12,000,000. This amount reflects a carry-over from 

FY2022. The estimated projected amount of DWP funding that will be obligated minus the cost 

necessary to administer the program in FY2024 is $6,000,000. 

LDD Pilot Program. 

DRA will use a portion of BIL funds to develop and administer a new, non-competitive grant 

program to build the capacity of the 45 LDDs in the Mississippi River Delta Region and 

Alabama Black Belt. The LDD Pilot Program will make fixed amount grants to LDDs in FY 

2023 and FY 2024 to advance planning and technical assistance activities in their respective 

regions. This two-year pilot program is designed to increase the region’s competitiveness to take 

advantage of the Federal funding being made available through the CARES Act, American 

Rescue Plan Act, BIL, disaster supplemental bills, and the annual appropriations process.

The projected amount of LDD Pilot Project funding that will be obligated minus the cost 

necessary to administer the program in FY2023 is $ 2,970,000. The estimated projected amount 

of LDD Pilot Project funding that will be obligated minus the cost necessary to administer the 

program in FY2024 is $ 2,970,000. 

Strategic Planning Grants Program. 

DRA will use a portion of BIL funds to develop and administer a new competitive grant program 

to support strategic planning activities including, but not limited to, the following: 
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comprehensive plans, master plans, capital improvement plans, economic development plans, 

workforce development plans, broadband deployment plans, utility rate studies, feasibility 

studies, transportation plans, preliminary engineering reports, and more. DRA will prioritize 

planning activities that demonstrate local or regional collaboration, underserved groups, and are 

anticipated to improve or strengthen economic development in economically distressed and 

persistent poverty DRA communities.

The projected amount of Strategic Planning Grants Program funding that will be obligated minus 

the cost necessary to administer the program in FY2023 is $ 3,000,000. This amount reflects a 

carry-over from FY2022. T The estimated projected amount of Strategic Planning Grants 

Program funding that will be obligated minus the cost necessary to administer the program in 

FY2024 is $1,500,000.