ALABAMA - ARKANSAS - ILLINOIS - KENTUCKY - LOUISIANA - MISSISSIPPI - MISSOURI - TENNESSEE

Delta Regional Authority 2019 Year in Review 
2 3

Message from the Federal Co-Chairman

Delta Regional Authori

Office of the FederalCo-C

As we reflect on another productive year at the Delta Regional Authority, I am proud of the great work DRA has done to support our 

mission to create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those living in the Delta region. Much has been accomplished, 

yet I know there is always more to be done.

Our investments in 87 projects throughout the region totaled more than $19.6 million, and total overall investments reached more 

than $122 million with contributions from public and private partners. These investments provide Delta communities with the 

opportunity to improve their water and sewer systems, build access roads and rail spurs, and train their workforce to strengthen 

economic and community development across the region.

In 2019, we launched new federal programs and made crucial investments into the public infrastructure and human capital across 

the region to strengthen economic development and job creation in Delta communities. 

Our newest initiative, the Delta Workforce Program, prioritizes investing in communities and regions that have been negatively impacted by economic transition. Investment priorities include supporting industry-driven workforce training, building collaborative 

workforce pipelines, expanding industry clusters, and accelerating regional economic development. 

DRA has taken to heart President Trump’s Executive Order to find ways to streamline federal programs, foster cooperation, and promote Opportunity Zones within our existing programs. We have invested more than $5.6 million of DRA 

funds and more than $22 million in total investments across 23 projects in Opportunity Zones to create 128 jobs and retain 

over 1,900 jobs that will enhance public infrastructure and foster business development across the footprint.

The work of the Delta Regional Authority could not be done without our governors and congressional delegation, and 

I want to thank them for their continued support and dedication to our region. Together, we can strengthen economic 

growth, move the region forward, and continue to positively impact the lives of our residents.

Thank you,

Christopher R. Caldwell
4

5

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

About this Publication 7

DRA Leadership 8-9

Investing in the Delta 10-17

Federal Investment Programs 11

Total State Investments | FY 2019 13

Rural Investment Report | FY 2019 15

Opportunity Zone Investments | FY 2019 17

Strategic Investments 18-33

Alabama 18-19

Arkansas 20-21

Illinois 22-23

Kentucky 24-25

Louisiana 26-27

Mississippi 28-29

Missouri 30-31

Tennessee 32-33

RCAP 34-35

Strengthening the Delta Workforce 36-37

Delta Workforce Program 37

Promoting a Healthy Delta 38-41

Delta Doctors 39

Delta Region Community Health Systems Development Program 41

Empowering Delta Leadership 42-45

Delta Leadership Institute 43

Delta Leadership Network 45

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships 46-47

White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council 47

Administration & Operations 48-49

Accountability & Operational Excellence 49

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries - State Investments 50-75

APPENDIX B: Project Summaries - Delta Workforce Grant Program 76-81

APPENDIX C: DRA Counties and Parishes 82-85

Economically Distressed Counties and Parishes 85
6 7

2019 Year in Review About this Publication

The Delta Regional Authority presents its 2019 Year in Review, which serves as the agency’s annual report to the 

U.S. Congress. This publication highlights DRA’s strategic investments and priority programs in the past year. 

You will find details about the many programs and initiatives DRA supported in 2019, including an index of the 

individual projects DRA funded throughout the year. 

The federal programs and regionwide initiatives included in this report are part of DRA’s mission to help create 

jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of the 10 million people who reside in the 252 counties and 

parishes of the eight-state Delta region. 

The report highlights:

• Key investments in each state that support basic public infrastructure and transportation for rural residents, 

provide quality workforce training and education for job seekers, and improve opportunities for entrepreneurs 

and small businesses to grow and thrive in the region. 

• Strategic programs and regionwide initiatives that are increasing workforce competitiveness and community 

capacity, such as the Delta Workforce Program and the Delta Leadership Institute.

• Agency efforts to invest in targeted economic and community development projects driven by outcomes 

and supported by public-private partnerships that are essential for Delta communities to compete in the 

modern economy. 

“I am proud of the progress we have made at the Delta Regional Authority. In 2019, we launched new federal programs and 

made crucial investments into the public infrastructure and human capital across the region to strengthen economic 

development and job creation in Delta communities.” 

 - Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell, Delta Regional Authority
8 9

Chris R. Caldwell

Federal Co-Chairman

Matt Bevin

Kentucky

States’ Co-Chair

Governor 

Asa Hutchinson

Governor 

Kay Ivey

Governor 

Mike Parson

Governor 

Phil Bryant

Governor 

JB Pritzker

Governor 

Bill Lee

Governor 

John Bel

Edwards

Board of Governors

 ALABAMA ARKANSAS ILLINOIS LOUISIANA MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI TENNESSEE 

Designees & Alternates

DRA Leadership

ALABAMA

Designee - Kenneth Boswell

kenneth.boswell@adeca.alabama.gov

(334) 242-5090

Alternate - Crystal Davis

crystal.davis@adeca.alabama.gov

(334) 353-2630

ARKANSAS

Designee - Amy Fecher

afecher@arkansasedc.com

(501) 682-1124

Alternate - Clint O’Neal

coneal@arkansasedc.com

(501) 682-7350

ILLINOIS

Designee - Brandi Bradley

bnbradley2012@gmail.com

(618) 889-3510

Alternate - Nicole Jai Budzinski

nikki.budzinski@illinois.gov

(312) 533-5078

KENTUCKY

Designee & Alternate

Sandra Dunahoo

sandy.dunahoo@ky.gov

(502) 573-2382

LOUISIANA

Designee & Alternate - Leslie Durham

leslie.durham@la.gov

(225) 362-2731

MISSISSIPPI

Designee & Alternate - Trip Polles

trip.polles@governor.ms.gov

(601) 576-2003

MISSOURI

Designee & Alternate 

Luke Holtschneider

luke.holtschneider@ded.mo.gov

(573) 751-4999

TENNESSEE

Designee - Brooxie Carlton

brooxie.carlton@tn.gov

(615) 741-8806

Alternate - Brian Kelsey

brian.kelsey@capitol.tn.gov

(615) 741-3036

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve 

as States’ Co-chair of the DRA Board of 

Governors alongside our seven fellow DRA 

states. We are excited to leverage the resources 

of this unique federal-state partnership, as we 

continue enhancing the quality of life for the 

10 million residents of the Delta region.”

– Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin

 DRA States’ Co-Chair
10 11

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP)

The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program is DRA’s primary investment program. In 2019, DRA had 

$13 million in available funding to invest in combination with more than $84 million in other public and private 

sector dollars. These SEDAP investments are subject to Federal Priority Eligibility Criteria and must help improve 

the following for our Delta communities:

Investing in the Delta

“The Delta Regional Authority’s investments provide Delta communities with the opportunity to improve their water 

and sewer systems, build access roads and rail spurs, and train their workforce to strengthen economic and community 

development across the region.” - Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell, Delta Regional Authority

 SEDAP INVESTMENTS 

• At least 50% must be used for transportation 

and basic public infrastructure.

• At least 75% must be made in counties and 

• parishes that are economically distressed.

Federal Investment Programs

Investing in the Delta

Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF)

These investments strengthen the economic 

viability of our Delta communities. In 2019, 

DRA had $10 million in funding available to 

address flood control, basic public infrastructure, 

and local transportation improvements that 

enhance local and regional economies throughout 

the Delta region.

Public Works & Economic Adjustment Assistance

The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development 

Administration made $3 million of its 2019 Public Works 

and Economic Adjustment Assistance program available to 

DRA. This program supports rural communities by investing 

in projects that leverage existing regional assets and the 

implementation of community development strategies that 

advance economic prosperity in distressed regions.
12 13

Investing in the Delta

“I am proud DRA is making a major investment in Alabama’s public infrastructure...I want to thank Chairman Chris 

Caldwell and DRA for seeing these projects through, and I am confident that they will help foster healthy communities 

and economic development opportunities in our state.” 

 - U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, Alabama

Total State Investments | 2019

Investing in the Delta

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 87

DRA INVESTMENT:

$19,628,456

PUBLIC Investment: $34,905,644

Approved Investments | 2019

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

3,100

20,775

33,547

Anticipated Outcomes

PRIVATE Investment: $67,788,000

DRA projects 2002-2018

Projects awarded in 2019

Delta Workforce Program
14 15

Investing in the Delta Rural Investment Report | 2019

Investing in the Delta

“These resources will support key economic development projects in our rural communities, like improving critical 

infrastructure, strengthening workforce development programs, and more. I’ll keep working with the DRA to ensure 

our rural communities have more tools to compete and succeed.” 

 - U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, Missouri The United States Department of Agriculture defines rural communities as those with a 

population of less than 50,000 residents. In 2019, nearly 87 percent of DRA funds were 

invested in rural communities across the eight-state Delta region. 

NOTE: All figures are based 

on the city of the awardee

29.9%

$5.8 M

37.9%

$7.4 M

17.2%

$3.4 M

1.5%

$295 K

10.5%

$2.1 K
16 17

Investing in the Delta Opportunity Zone Investments | 2019

Investing in the Delta

“We’re providing massive tax incentives for private investment in these areas to create jobs and opportunities where they are 

needed the most...together we can lift up every forgotten community.” 

 - President Donald J. Trump

AUTAUGA

BALDWIN

BARBOUR

BIBB

BLOUNT

BULLOCK

BUTLER

CALHOUN

CHAMBERS

CHEROKEE

CHILTON

CHOCTAW

CLARKE

CLAY

CLEBURNE

COFFEE

COLBERT

CONECUH

COOSA

COVINGTON

CRENSHAW

CULLMAN

DALE

DALLAS

DE KALB

ELMORE

ESCAMBIA

ETOWAH

FAYETTE

FRANKLIN

GENEVA

GREENE

HALE

HENRY

HOUSTON

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIMESTONE

LOWNDES

MACON

MADISON

MARENGO

MARION

MARSHALL

MOBILE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

PERRY

PICKENS

PIKE

RANDOLPH

RUSSELL

ST. CLAIR

SHELBY

SUMTER

TALLADEGA

TALLAPOOSA

TUSCALOOSA

WALKER

WASHINGTON

WILCOX

WINSTON

ARKANSAS

ASHLEY

BAXTER BENTON

BOONE

BRADLEY

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICOT

CLARK

CLAY

CLEBURNE

CLEVELAND

COLUMBIA

CONWAY

CRAIGHEAD

CRAWFORD

CRITTENDEN

CROSS

DALLAS

DESHA

DREW

FAULKNER

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GARLAND

GRANT

GREENE

HEMPSTEAD

HOT SPRING

HOWARD

INDEPENDENCE

IZARD

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LINCOLN

LITTLE RIVER

LOGAN

LONOKE

MADISON

MARION

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NEVADA

NEWTON

OUACHITA

PERRY

PHILLIPS

PIKE

POINSETT

POLK

POPE

PRAIRIE

PULASKI

RANDOLPH

ST. FRANCIS

SALINE

SCOTT

SEARCY

SEBASTIAN

SEVIER

SHARP

STONE

UNION

VAN BUREN

WASHINGTON

WHITE

WOODRUFF

YELL

ADAIR

ALLEN

ANDERSON

BALLARD

BARREN

BATH

BELL

BOONE

BOURBON

BOYD

BOYLE

BRACKEN

BREATHITT

BRECKINRIDGE

BULLITT

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLOWAY

CAMPBELL

CARLISLE

CARROLL

CARTER

CASEY

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

CRITTENDEN

CUMBERLAND

DAVIESS

EDMONSON

ELLIOTT

ESTILL

FAYETTE

FLEMING

FLOYD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GARRARD

GRANT

GRAVES

GRAYSON

GREEN

GREENUP

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HARLAN

HARRISON

HART

HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOPKINS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JESSAMINE

JOHNSON

KENTON

KNOTT

KNOX

LARUE

LAUREL

LAWRENCE

LEE

LESLIE LETCHER

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN LYON

MCCRACKEN

MCCREARY

MCLEAN

MADISON MAGOFFIN

MARION

MARSHALL

MARTIN

MASON

MEADE MENIFEE

MERCER

METCALFE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MUHLENBERG

NELSON

NICHOLAS

OHIO

OLDHAM

OWEN

OWSLEY

PENDLETON

PERRY

PIKE

POWELL

PULASKI

ROBERTSON

ROCKCASTLE

ROWAN

RUSSELL

SCOTT

SHELBY

SIMPSON

SPENCER

TAYLOR

TODD

TRIGG

TRIMBLE

UNION

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WHITLEY

WOLFE

WOODFORD

ST. MARTIN

ST. MARTIN

ACADIA

ALLEN

ASCENSION

ASSUMPTION

AVOYELLES

BEAUREGARD

BIENVILLE

BOSSIER

CADDO

CALCASIEU

CALDWELL

CAMERON

CATAHOULA

CLAIBORNE

CONCORDIA

DE SOTO

EAST

BATON

ROUGE

EAST

CARROLL

EAST

FELICIANA

EVANGELINE

FRANKLIN

GRANT

IBERIA

IBERVILLE

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

LAFAYETTE

LAFOURCHE

LA SALLE

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

MADISON

MOREHOUSE

NATCHITOCHES

ORLEANS

OUACHITA

PLAQUEMINES

POINTE

COUPEE

RAPIDES

RED

RIVER

RICHLAND

SABINE

ST. BERNARD

ST. CHARLES

ST.

HELENA

ST. JAMES

ST. JOHN

THE BAPTIST

ST. LANDRY

ST. MARY

ST. TAMMANY

TANGIPAHOA

TENSAS

TERREBONNE

UNION

VERMILION

VERNON

WASHINGTON

WEBSTER

WEST BATON

ROUGE

WEST

CARROLL

WEST

FELICIANA

WINN

ADAMS

ALCORN

AMITE

ATTALA

BENTON

BOLIVAR

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICKASAW

CHOCTAW

CLAIBORNE

CLARKE

CLAY

COAHOMA

COPIAH

COVINGTON

DE SOTO

FORREST

FRANKLIN

GEORGE

GREENE

GRENADA

HANCOCK

HARRISON

HINDS

HOLMES

HUMPHREYS

ISSAQUENA

ITAWAMBA

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

JONES

KEMPER

LAFAYETTE

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEAKE

LEE

LEFLORE

LINCOLN

LOWNDES

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NESHOBA

NEWTON

NOXUBEE

OKTIBBEHA

PANOLA

PEARL RIVER

PERRY

PIKE

PONTOTOC

PRENTISS

QUITMAN

RANKIN

SCOTT

SHARKEY

SIMPSON

SMITH

STONE

SUNFLOWER

TALLAHATCHIE

TATE

TIPPAH

TISHOMINGO

TUNICA

UNION

WALTHALL

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WILKINSON

WINSTON

YALOBUSHA

YAZOO

JEFFERSON

ADAIR

ANDREW

ATCHISON

AUDRAIN

BARRY

BARTON

BATES BENTON

BOLLINGER

BOONE

BUCHANAN

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLAWAY

CAMDEN

CAPE

GIRARDEAU

CARROLL

CARTER

CASS

CEDAR

CHARITON

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLE

COOPER

CRAWFORD

DADE

DALLAS

DAVIESS

DE KALB

DENT

DOUGLAS

DUNKLIN

FRANKLIN

GASCONADE

GENTRY

GREENE

GRUNDY

HARRISON

HENRY

HICKORY

HOLT

HOWARD

HOWELL

IRON

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LACLEDE

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LINN

LIVINGSTON

MCDONALD

MACON

MADISON

MARIES

MARION

MERCER

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONITEAU

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

NEW MADRID

NEWTON

NODAWAY

OREGON

OSAGE

OZARK

PEMISCOT

PERRY

PETTIS

PHELPS

PIKE

PLATTE

POLK

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RALLS

RANDOLPH

RAY

REYNOLDS

RIPLEY

ST. CHARLES

ST. CLAIR

ST.

GENEVIEVE

ST.

FRANCOIS

ST. LOUIS

SALINE

SCHUYLER

SCOTLAND

SCOTT

SHANNON

SHELBY

STODDARD STONE

SULLIVAN

TANEY

TEXAS

VERNON

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WORTH

WRIGHT

ST. LOUIS

CITY

ANDERSON

BEDFORD

BENTON

BLEDSOE BLOUNT

BRADLEY

CAMPBELL

CANNON

CARROLL

CARTER

CHEATHAM

CHESTER

CLAIBORNE CLAY

COCKE

COFFEE

CROCKETT

CUMBERLAND

DAVIDSON

DECATUR

DE KALB

DICKSON

DYER

FAYETTE

FENTRESS

FRANKLIN

GIBSON

GILES

GRAINGER

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMBLEN

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDEMAN

HARDIN

HAWKINS

HAYWOOD HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOUSTON

HUMPHREYS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LAKE

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LOUDON

MCMINN

MCNAIRY

MACON

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MAURY

MEIGS

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MOORE

MORGAN

OBION OVERTON

PERRY

PICKETT

POLK

PUTNAM

RHEA

ROANE

ROBERTSON

RUTHERFORD

SCOTT

SEQUATCHIE

SEVIER

SHELBY

SMITH

STEWART

SULLIVAN SUMNER

TIPTON

TROUSDALE

UNICOI

UNION

VAN

BUREN

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEAKLEY

WHITE

WILLIAMSON

WILSON

ADAMS

ALEXANDER

BOND

WINNEBAGO

BROWN

BUREAU

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CASS

CHAMPAIGN

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLES

COOK

CRAWFORD

CUMBERLAND

DE KALB

DE WITT

DOUGLAS

D U

PAGE

EDGAR

EDWARDS

EFFINGHAM

FAYETTE

FORD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HENDERSON

HENRY

IROQUOIS

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JERSEY

LAKE

JOHNSON

KANE

KANKAKEE

KENDALL

KNOX

J O

DAVIESS

LA SALLE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN

MCDONOUGH

STEPHENSON

MCLEAN

MACON

MACOUPIN

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MASON

MASSAC

MENARD

MERCER

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MOULTRIE

OGLE

PEORIA

PERRY

PIATT

PIKE

POPE

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RANDOLPH

RICHLAND

ROCK ISLAND

ST. CLAIR

SALINE

SANGAMON

SCHUYLER

SCOTT

SHELBY

STARK

MCHENRY

TAZEWELL

UNION

VERMILION

WABASH

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WHITE

WHITESIDE

WILL

WILLIAMSON

BOONE

WOODFORD

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 23

DRA INVESTMENT:

$5,580,622

TOTAL Investment: $22,727,370

Approved Investments | 2019

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS (%): 28.4%

WHAT ARE OPPORTUNITY ZONES?

The Opportunity Zones incentive is a new 

community investment tool established by 

Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 

to encourage long-term investments in lowincome urban and rural communities

nationwide. Opportunity Zones provide a tax 

incentive for investors to re-invest their 

unrealized capital gains into catalytic projects.

Opportunity Zone projects

awarded in 2019
18 19

Strategic Investments

ALABAMA

ALABAMA

ALABAMA

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 10

DRA INVESTMENT:

$2,335,005

PUBLIC Investment: $1,582,100

Approved Investments | 2019

PRIVATE Investment: $25,000,000

FY 2019 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Port of Epes Industrial Park Utilities Extension

The University of West Alabama will use DRA funds 

to upgrade and extend the water and sewer system in the 

Port of Epes Industrial Park site for Enviva, the largest 

wood pellet producer in the country. This investment

 is projected to create 85 new jobs. 

DRA Investment: $509,000

Total Project Investment: $1,759,000

Livingston, AL

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

150

254

3,095

Anticipated Outcomes
20 21

Strategic Investments

ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 11

DRA INVESTMENT:

$3,398,866

PUBLIC Investment: $9,599,914

Approved Investments | 2019

PRIVATE Investment: $14,724,000

FY 2019 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Helena-West Helena

Transportation Improvements 

The City of Helena-West Helena will use DRA funds 

to improve the transportation infrastructure on

Washington Street to support the operations for existing 

industry and increase safety for local residents. This 

investment is projected to create 19 jobs and retain 38. 

DRA Investment: $589,000

Total Project Investment: $10,589,000

Helena-West Helena, AR

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

331

150

255

Anticipated Outcomes
22 23

Strategic Investments

ILLINOIS

ILLINOIS

ILLINOIS

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS

9

DRA INVESTMENT:

$1,397,974

PUBLIC Investment: $714,770

Approved Investments | 2019

PRIVATE Investment: $10,504,000

FY 2019 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Rend Lake College CDL Training 

Rend Lake College will use DRA funds to develop a

CDL training program and connect prospective students 

to Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs approved 

and recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. 

This investment is projected to train 40 individuals 

for in-demand careers. 

DRA Investment: $193,880

Total Project Investment: $280,880

Ina, IL

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

212

40

474

Anticipated Outcomes
24 25

Strategic Investments

KENTUCKY

KENTUCKY

KENTUCKY

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS

8

DRA INVESTMENT:

$2,465,828

PUBLIC Investment: $5,765,870

Approved Investments | 2019

PRIVATE Investment: $0

FY 2019 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Union County Sewer System Replacement 

The Union County Fiscal Court will use DRA funds to 

replace major components of its sewer system to support 

residential and commercial growth in the region. This 

investment is projected to retain 600 jobs and impact 

1,484 families who will benefit from improved water and 

sewer services. 

DRA Investment: $779,646

Total Project Investment: $919,646

Morganfield, KY

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

605

1,869

2,261

Anticipated Outcomes
26 27

Strategic Investments

LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 21

DRA INVESTMENT:

$4,173,887

PUBLIC Investment: $5,712,790

Approved Investments | 2019

PRIVATE Investment: $600,000 FY 2019 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Nunez Community College

Aerospace Labs and Makerspace

Nunez Community College will use DRA funds to 

renovate a building to house its Aerospace Manufacturing 

Technology labs and STEAM makerspace to prepare 

students for high paying technical jobs. This investment is 

projected to create 20 new jobs and retain 10; this project 

will also train 100 individuals for in-demand careers. 

DRA Investment: $150,000

Total Project Investment: $1,180,000

Chalmette, LA

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

1,257

148

8,639

Anticipated Outcomes
28 29

Strategic Investments

MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 14

DRA INVESTMENT:

$3,515,228

PUBLIC Investment: $8,128,000

Approved Investments | 2019

PRIVATE Investment: $14,810,000

FY 2019 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Panola County Industrial Facility Improvements 

Panola County will use DRA funds to rehabilitate an 

existing industrial building in Sardis, Mississippi by 

providing enhanced ventilation to extend the life of the 

facility for private sector occupancy. This investment is 

projected to create 50 new jobs. 

DRA Investment: $320,830

Total Project Investment: $2,673,000

Batesville, MS

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

185

591

11,862

Anticipated Outcomes
30 31

Strategic Investments

MISSOURI

MISSOURI

MISSOURI

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS

9

DRA INVESTMENT:

$1,187,201

PUBLIC Investment: $2,534,000

Approved Investments | 2019

PRIVATE Investment: $150,000

FY 2019 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

West Plains Water System Enhancement

The Ozarks Development Corporation will use DRA 

funds to replace an existing backup water line at Heritage 

Business Park to increase capacity and efficiency for 

existing industry and to support the recruitment of new 

businesses. This investment is projected to retain 200 jobs.

DRA Investment: $105,255

Total Project Investment: $148,255

West Plains, MO

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

287

1,740

2,385

Anticipated Outcomes
32 33

Strategic Investments

TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS

5

DRA INVESTMENT:

$1,154,467

PUBLIC Investment: $868,200

Approved Investments | 2019

PRIVATE Investment: $2,000,000

FY 2019 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Gibson County Rail Spur Extension

Gibson County will use DRA funds to construct a rail 

spur to support the expansion of Hargett Materials and 

other industrial facilities in the area. This investment is 

projected to create 40 new jobs and retain 30. 

DRA Investment: $218,039

Milan, TN

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

73

15,983

4,576

Anticipated Outcomes
34 35

Strategic Investments

RCAP

Rural Communities Advancement Program

Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, DRA uses the Rural 

Communities Advancement Program (RCAP) to support agency programs and region-wide initiatives that 

build the capacity of rural residents, while simultaneously improving the economic opportunities of their 

communities. This funding is directed to communities and counties with a population of 50,000 or less.

Under the leadership of the Federal Co-Chairman, DRA utilizes the majority of its RCAP funding to 

implement the region-wide initiatives that address the complexity of rural needs through innovative 

economic and community development strategies. Examples of programs and initiatives funded through this 

program include the Delta Workforce Program, Local Foods, Local Places, and the Delta Leadership Institute.

DRA allocates the remaining RCAP funds towards projects submitted to DRA by USDA-RD State Directors 

from each of the eight states. In 2019, DRA provided a total of $320,000 to USDA-Rural Development State 

Directors ($40,000 per state in each of the eight states) to fund eligible projects in designated persistent 

poverty counties.

Since 2003, DRA has successfully applied for more than $44 million in RCAP funding 

which has supported more than 310 projects throughout the Mississippi River Delta Region.
36 37

Strengthening the Delta Workforce

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and the 

Appalachian Regional Commission, approximately $29.2 million was made available in 2019 through the 

Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) grant program to support workforce training 

and education in rural communities across the Delta and Appalachian regions. To complement the federal 

partnership, DRA hosted two technical assistance workshops, made available an additional $1.5 million 

in grants through its Delta Workforce Grant Program, and committed to offering post-award technical 

assistance to grantees of both federal programs.

The Delta Workforce Program prioritizes investing in communities and regions that have been negatively 

impacted by economic transition and recovered more slowly to help build their workforce pipelines and 

strengthen their economies.

Investment priorities include:

• Supporting industry-driven workforce training

• Building collaborative workforce pipelines

• Expanding industry clusters

• Accelerating regional economic development

In Fall 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor made a $14.6 million 

investment in eight projects across the Delta region through the WORC 

grant program. Additionally, DRA invested $1.5 million in 10 projects 

through the Delta Workforce Grant Program. 

Strengthening the Delta Workforce

“Rural communities face a unique set of challenges when it comes to promoting economic development and meeting workforce needs. The Delta Workforce Program [provides] targeted support to strengthen local economies and help people get 

the skills they need to compete.” - U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, Missouri

Delta Workforce Program
38 39

Promoting a Healthy Delta

In partnership with the U.S. Department of State, DRA’s Delta Doctors program helps address the health 

disparities and high levels of health professional shortages by granting J-1 visa waivers for physicians 

who are willing to provide medical services in distressed Delta communities. The program allows foreign 

physicians who are trained in the United States to work in medically underserved areas for three years, 

but most doctors placed through this program choose to continue serving their communities beyond 

their three-year commitment. Physicians participating in the Delta Doctors program do not take jobs 

away from U.S.-born physicians, but instead provide services in areas where there would otherwise be a 

shortage of physicians, increasing access to affordable, quality healthcare. In 2019, DRA processed 160 

applications for the Delta Doctors program.

“Through the Delta Doctors program, DRA strives to expand healthcare services in rural communities by helping place 

Promoting a Healthy Delta

physicians in medically underserved areas. Through our partnership with the U.S. Department of State, DRA is proud to 

have placed at least one physician in each Delta state for the first time in program history.” 

 - Christina Wade, DRA Health Program Manager

Delta Doctors

2019 DELTA DOCTORS OUTCOMES
40 41

Promoting a Healthy Delta

“Healthcare is a top concern for so many people across the Delta region. Through this program, DRA and HRSA are able 

to partner with these rural hospitals and provide targeted technical assistance to help improve access and overall healthcare 

services in their communities.” - Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell, Delta Regional Authority

Delta Region Community Health Systems Development ProgramPromoting a Healthy Delta

Participating Facilities:

DRA collaborates with the Health Resources & 

Services Administration of the U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services on a technical assistance 

program that enhances healthcare delivery in the 

Delta Region. The program supports providers in 

select rural communities, including critical access 

hospitals, small rural hospitals, rural health clinics 

and other healthcare organizations.

Assistance includes:

• Improving hospital or clinic financial operations

• Implementing quality-improvement activities 

 to promote the development of an evidence-based 

 culture leading to improved health outcomes

• Increasing use of telehealth to address gaps in 

 clinical service delivery and improve access to care

• Ensuring access to and availability of emergency 

 medical services

• Identifying workforce recruitment and retention 

 resources targeted to rural communities

AUTAUGA

BALDWIN

BARBOUR

BIBB

BLOUNT

BULLOCK

BUTLER

CALHOUN

CHAMBERS

CHEROKEE

CHILTON

CHOCTAW

CLARKE

CLAY

CLEBURNE

COFFEE

COLBERT

CONECUH

COOSA

COVINGTON

CRENSHAW

CULLMAN

DALE

DALLAS

DE KALB

ELMORE

ESCAMBIA

ETOWAH

FAYETTE

FRANKLIN

GENEVA

GREENE

HALE

HENRY

HOUSTON

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIMESTONE

LOWNDES

MACON

MADISON

MARENGO

MARION

MARSHALL

MOBILE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

PERRY

PICKENS

PIKE

RANDOLPH

RUSSELL

ST. CLAIR

SHELBY

SUMTER

TALLADEGA

TALLAPOOSA

TUSCALOOSA

WALKER

WASHINGTON

WILCOX

WINSTON

ARKANSAS

ASHLEY

BAXTER BENTON

BOONE

BRADLEY

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICOT

CLARK

CLAY

CLEBURNE

CLEVELAND

COLUMBIA

CONWAY

CRAIGHEAD

CRAWFORD

CRITTENDEN

CROSS

DALLAS

DESHA

DREW

FAULKNER

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GARLAND

GRANT

GREENE

HEMPSTEAD

HOT SPRING

HOWARD

INDEPENDENCE

IZARD

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LINCOLN

LITTLE RIVER

LOGAN

LONOKE

MADISON

MARION

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NEVADA

NEWTON

OUACHITA

PERRY

PHILLIPS

PIKE

POINSETT

POLK

POPE

PRAIRIE

PULASKI

RANDOLPH

ST. FRANCIS

SALINE

SCOTT

SEARCY

SEBASTIAN

SEVIER

SHARP

STONE

UNION

VAN BUREN

WASHINGTON

WHITE

WOODRUFF

YELL

ADAIR

ALLEN

ANDERSON

BALLARD

BARREN

BATH

BELL

BOONE

BOURBON

BOYD

BOYLE

BRACKEN

BREATHITT

BRECKINRIDGE

BULLITT

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLOWAY

CAMPBELL

CARLISLE

CARROLL

CARTER

CASEY

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

CRITTENDEN

CUMBERLAND

DAVIESS

EDMONSON

ELLIOTT

ESTILL

FAYETTE

FLEMING

FLOYD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GARRARD

GRANT

GRAVES

GRAYSON

GREEN

GREENUP

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HARLAN

HARRISON

HART

HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOPKINS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JESSAMINE

JOHNSON

KENTON

KNOTT

KNOX

LARUE

LAUREL

LAWRENCE

LEE

LESLIE LETCHER

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN LYON

MCCRACKEN

MCCREARY

MCLEAN

MADISON MAGOFFIN

MARION

MARSHALL

MARTIN

MASON

MEADE MENIFEE

MERCER

METCALFE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MUHLENBERG

NELSON

NICHOLAS

OHIO

OLDHAM

OWEN

OWSLEY

PENDLETON

PERRY

PIKE

POWELL

PULASKI

ROBERTSON

ROCKCASTLE

ROWAN

RUSSELL

SCOTT

SHELBY

SIMPSON

SPENCER

TAYLOR

TODD

TRIGG

TRIMBLE

UNION

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WHITLEY

WOLFE

WOODFORD

ST. MARTIN

ST. MARTIN

ACADIA

ALLEN

ASCENSION

ASSUMPTION

AVOYELLES

BEAUREGARD

BIENVILLE

BOSSIER

CADDO

CALCASIEU

CALDWELL

CAMERON

CATAHOULA

CLAIBORNE

CONCORDIA

DE SOTO

EAST

BATON

ROUGE

EAST

CARROLL

EAST

FELICIANA

EVANGELINE

FRANKLIN

GRANT

IBERIA

IBERVILLE

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

LAFAYETTE

LAFOURCHE

LA SALLE

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

MADISON

MOREHOUSE

NATCHITOCHES

ORLEANS

OUACHITA

PLAQUEMINES

POINTE

COUPEE

RAPIDES

RED

RIVER

RICHLAND

SABINE

ST. BERNARD

ST. CHARLES

ST.

HELENA

ST. JAMES

ST. JOHN

THE BAPTIST

ST. LANDRY

ST. MARY

ST. TAMMANY

TANGIPAHOA

TENSAS

TERREBONNE

UNION

VERMILION

VERNON

WASHINGTON

WEBSTER

WEST BATON

ROUGE

WEST

CARROLL

WEST

FELICIANA

WINN

ADAMS

ALCORN

AMITE

ATTALA

BENTON

BOLIVAR

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICKASAW

CHOCTAW

CLAIBORNE

CLARKE

CLAY

COAHOMA

COPIAH

COVINGTON

DE SOTO

FORREST

FRANKLIN

GEORGE

GREENE

GRENADA

HANCOCK

HARRISON

HINDS

HOLMES

HUMPHREYS

ISSAQUENA

ITAWAMBA

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

JONES

KEMPER

LAFAYETTE

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEAKE

LEE

LEFLORE

LINCOLN

LOWNDES

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NESHOBA

NEWTON

NOXUBEE

OKTIBBEHA

PANOLA

PEARL RIVER

PERRY

PIKE

PONTOTOC

PRENTISS

QUITMAN

RANKIN

SCOTT

SHARKEY

SIMPSON

SMITH

STONE

SUNFLOWER

TALLAHATCHIE

TATE

TIPPAH

TISHOMINGO

TUNICA

UNION

WALTHALL

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WILKINSON

WINSTON

YALOBUSHA

YAZOO

JEFFERSON

ADAIR

ANDREW

ATCHISON

AUDRAIN

BARRY

BARTON

BATES BENTON

BOLLINGER

BOONE

BUCHANAN

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLAWAY

CAMDEN

CAPE

GIRARDEAU

CARROLL

CARTER

CASS

CEDAR

CHARITON

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLE

COOPER

CRAWFORD

DADE

DALLAS

DAVIESS

DE KALB

DENT

DOUGLAS

DUNKLIN

FRANKLIN

GASCONADE

GENTRY

GREENE

GRUNDY

HARRISON

HENRY

HICKORY

HOLT

HOWARD

HOWELL

IRON

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LACLEDE

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LINN

LIVINGSTON

MCDONALD

MACON

MADISON

MARIES

MARION

MERCER

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONITEAU

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

NEW MADRID

NEWTON

NODAWAY

OREGON

OSAGE

OZARK

PEMISCOT

PERRY

PETTIS

PHELPS

PIKE

PLATTE

POLK

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RALLS

RANDOLPH

RAY

REYNOLDS

RIPLEY

ST. CHARLES

ST. CLAIR

ST.

GENEVIEVE

ST.

FRANCOIS

ST. LOUIS

SALINE

SCHUYLER

SCOTLAND

SCOTT

SHANNON

SHELBY

STODDARD STONE

SULLIVAN

TANEY

TEXAS

VERNON

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WORTH

WRIGHT

ST. LOUIS

CITY

ANDERSON

BEDFORD

BENTON

BLEDSOE BLOUNT

BRADLEY

CAMPBELL

CANNON

CARROLL

CARTER

CHEATHAM

CHESTER

CLAIBORNE CLAY

COCKE

COFFEE

CROCKETT

CUMBERLAND

DAVIDSON

DECATUR

DE KALB

DICKSON

DYER

FAYETTE

FENTRESS

FRANKLIN

GIBSON

GILES

GRAINGER

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMBLEN

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDEMAN

HARDIN

HAWKINS

HAYWOOD HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOUSTON

HUMPHREYS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LAKE

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LOUDON

MCMINN

MCNAIRY

MACON

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MAURY

MEIGS

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MOORE

MORGAN

OBION OVERTON

PERRY

PICKETT

POLK

PUTNAM

RHEA

ROANE

ROBERTSON

RUTHERFORD

SCOTT

SEQUATCHIE

SEVIER

SHELBY

SMITH

STEWART

SULLIVAN SUMNER

TIPTON

TROUSDALE

UNICOI

UNION

VAN

BUREN

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEAKLEY

WHITE

WILLIAMSON

WILSON

ADAMS

ALEXANDER

BOND

WINNEBAGO

BROWN

BUREAU

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CASS

CHAMPAIGN

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLES

COOK

CRAWFORD

CUMBERLAND

DE KALB

DE WITT

DOUGLAS

D U

PAGE

EDGAR

EDWARDS

EFFINGHAM

FAYETTE

FORD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HENDERSON

HENRY

IROQUOIS

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JERSEY

LAKE

JOHNSON

KANE

KANKAKEE

KENDALL

KNOX

J O

DAVIESS

LA SALLE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN

MCDONOUGH

STEPHENSON

MCLEAN

MACON

MACOUPIN

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MASON

MASSAC

MENARD

MERCER

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MOULTRIE

OGLE

PEORIA

PERRY

PIATT

PIKE

POPE

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RANDOLPH

RICHLAND

ROCK ISLAND

ST. CLAIR

SALINE

SANGAMON

SCHUYLER

SCOTT

SHELBY

STARK

MCHENRY

TAZEWELL

UNION

VERMILION

WABASH

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WHITE

WHITESIDE

WILL

WILLIAMSON

BOONE

WOODFORD
42 43

Empowering Delta Leadership

Founded in 2005, the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) was created to empower a corps of leaders with the tools, experiences, and networks to help 

the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt Regions compete in the 

global economy. The DLI trains leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, 

and industries to improve the decisions made by community leaders across 

the region by strengthening leadership capacity and mutual understanding 

of regional, state, and local cultures and issues as well as connecting these 

leaders to a network that increases regional collaboration, information sharing, and continuing education. 

DLI relies on the administrative, programming, and curricular support from a consortium of university partners. 

DRA announced the addition of the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business to the existing partners: The 

University of Alabama, Arkansas State University, and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The ten-month long 

DLI Executive Academy is designed to provide professional leadership development and policy training in 

the issues most challenging to Delta communities. The 

Executive Academy held six sessions in 2019 that 

focused on public-private partnerships, transportation 

and infrastructure, asset-based development, small 

business and entrepreneurship, health and access, and 

public policy and innovative partnerships. The Delta 

Leadership Institute graduated 25 fellows from its 

thirteenth class in August.

“DRA is proud to continue its commitment to the Mississippi River Delta region by providing the next generation of transformative leaders with the resources, skills, experiences, and networks to ensure continued economic success of the region.” 

 - Aury Kangelos, Director of the Delta Leadership Institute

Delta Leadership Institute

Empowering Delta Leadership

2018 - 2019 DLI Executive Academy Sessions:

Orientation | Memphis, TN

Session II | Vicksburg, MS

Session III | Little Rock, AR

Session IV | New Orleans, LA

Session V | Alabama Black Belt

Session VI | Cape Girardeau, MO/Carbondale, IL 

Graduation | Lake Barkley, KY
44 45

Empowering Delta Leadership

The Delta Leadership Network comprises the alumni of the Executive Academy and is tasked with maintaining these relationships 

among regional leaders so as to foster regional collaboration, resource sharing, and continued education to help these leaders address the Delta’s most pressing issues.

With more than 500 community leaders comprising the DLN, 

alumni continue their engagement with the Delta Leadership Institute at state meetings, the Delta leadership Network annual conference, and by attending and supporting DLI Executive Academy sessions in their state and region.

In February 2019, the DLN hosted its sixth annual conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. With 200 members in 

attendance, the Delta Leadership Network Annual Conference focused on addressing the Region’s most pressing regional economic development needs through the development of sustainable public-private partnerships. 

In December, DRA supported the continuing education of 40 Network members by participating in the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s three-day Authentic Leadership program in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “The collective voice represented by the Delta Leadership Network continues to grow stronger as this group of leaders join 

together for the prosperity and betterment of the Delta. The commitments from our alumni are making a difference in 

quality of life and the economic strength of our region.” 

 - Chair of Delta Leadership Network Regional Advisory Council

Delta Leadership Network

Empowering Delta Leadership
46 47

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

Established by Executive Order in December 2018, the White House 

Opportunity and Revitalization Council’s (WHORC) Federal member 

agencies, including DRA, engage with governments at all levels on 

ways to more effectively use taxpayer dollars to revitalize low-income 

communities. Additionally, the Council seeks to improve revitalization 

efforts by streamlining, coordinating, and targeting existing Federal 

programs to Opportunity Zones – economically distressed communities 

where new investments may be eligible for preferential tax treatment.

To date, WHORC members have identified over one hundred and sixty Federal programs where targeting, 

preference, or additional support could be granted to Opportunity Zones, more than fifty of which have 

already begun working on this initiative. DRA is committed investing in rural communities and supporting 

WHORC in successfully implementing the OZ program. In March, DRA updated the States’ Economic 

Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) funding cycle for Fiscal Year 2019 to include an updated 

provision to the SEDAP guidelines to support OZ in the Delta region. Eligible organizations located in the 

DRA footprint are able to utilize SEDAP funding (up to 10% of each state’s funding allocation) to support 

activities such as the development of an investment prospectus or a GIS database to better market their 

communities and potential projects to interested investors.

In 2019, DRA invested nearly $5.6 million in 23 projects across the DRA region located in qualified 

Opportunity Zones, capitalizing on more than $22 million in total project investment. 

“DRA is committed to investing in rural communities across the Delta region to ensure successful implementation of the 

Opportunity Zone program. Investments through the Opportunity Zone program will impact thousands of people in some of 

our country’s most distressed areas through the creation of jobs, expansion of businesses, and revitalization of communities.”

 - Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell, Delta Regional Authority

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council
48 49

The Delta Regional Authority is committed to being a good steward of taxpayers’ dollars, and it recognizes its 

institutional focus to be fiscally responsible and effective in making investments into economic and community 

development projects while it works to help create jobs, build communities, and improve lives in the Mississippi 

River Delta region and Alabama Black Belt. 

DRA conducts annual audits with a certified audit firm to ensure compliance and accountability. 

DRA will continue to ensure strong accountability, transparency, and operational excellence.

Administration & Operations Accountability & Operational Excellence

Administration & Operations

Delta Regional Authority Offices

Regional Headquarters 

236 Sharkey Avenue, Suite 400 

Clarksdale, MS 38614 

(662) 624-8600 

400 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 365 

Washington, DC 20001 

(202) 434-4870
50 51

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Coastal Alabama Community College VR Training Program | Thomasville, AL

DRA Investment: $224,541

Coastal Alabama Community College will use DRA funds to purchase technical equipment to provide virtual reality job 

training simulations for students pursuing industrial careers in the regional area. This investment is projected to train 250 

individuals for in-demand careers. 

Jackson Flood Control Improvements | Jackson, AL

DRA Investment: $211,845; Total Project Investment: $261,845

The City of Jackson will use DRA funds to rehabilitate the drainage system along the main thoroughfare in the city to 

prevent frequent flooding that affects local businesses and residences. 

Chatom Hospital Building Renovation | Chatom, AL

DRA Investment: $130,250; Total Project Investment: $155,250

The Town of Chatom will use DRA funds to renovate a town-owned building to house the Washington County Hospital 

& Nursing Home to provide improved healthcare services to county residents. 

Union Springs GIS System for Public Utilities | Union Springs, AL

DRA Investment: $47,250

The City of Union Springs will use DRA funds to develop a comprehensive GIS map of the water and sewer system in 

Union Springs and train their staff to effectively use GIS mapping tools for improved public infrastructure management. 

This investment is projected to impact 3,980 individuals who will benefit from improved water and sewer services and 

train four individuals with improved technical skills. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

ALABAMA 2019 INVESTMENTS:

STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Georgiana Water System Improvements | Georgiana, AL

DRA Investment: $350,430

The City of Georgiana will use DRA funds to replace their deteriorating water transmission mains throughout the 

downtown area. This investment is projected to impact 1,470 individuals who will benefit from improved water and 

sewer services. 

York Water Tank Improvements | York, AL

DRA Investment: $295,183

The City of York will use DRA funds to address deficiencies and make improvements to the 200,000-gallon Oswald 

Elevated Water Tank. This investment is projected to impact 2,538 individuals who will benefit from improved water 

and sewer services. 

Thomasville Regional Medical Center Transportation Infrastructure | Thomasville, AL

DRA Investment: $240,239

The City of Thomasville will use DRA funds to install streetlights and traffic signalization to service the Thomasville 

Regional Medical Center. This investment is projected to create 65 new jobs. 
52 53

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

ARKANSAS 2019 INVESTMENTS 

STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Helena-West Helena Transportation Improvements | Helena-West Helena, AR

DRA Investment: $589,000; Total Project Investment: $10,589,000

The City of Helena-West Helena will use DRA funds to improve the transportation infrastructure on Washington Street 

to support the operations for existing industry and increase safety for local residents. This investment is projected to 

create 19 new jobs and retain 38. 

Monticello Railroad Overpass Expansion | Monticello, AR

DRA Investment: $509,000; Total Project Investment: $8,109,000

The City of Monticello will partner with Drew County and the Arkansas Department of Transportation and use DRA 

funds to construct a new railroad overpass to enhance safety and provide better connectivity for consumers. 

Pine Bluff Economic Research Center Expansion | Pine Bluff, AR

DRA Investment: $295,000

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will use DRA funds to expand the programs and services provided through its 

Economic Research and Development Center (ERDC) and enhance the ERDC’s Institute for Economic, Business & 

Community Development. This investment is projected to create two new jobs and train 100 individuals. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Opportunity Zones Technical Assistance | Birmingham, AL

DRA Investment: $127,877

Opportunity Alabama, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting capital to catalytic investment opportunities 

across the state, will lead the initiative in collaboration with public and private partners. This investment will allow 

Opportunity Alabama to host regional strategy development events, create eligible project pipelines, design community

fact sheets, and develop four regional investment prospectuses to help promote the Black Belt’s designated OZ areas 

to qualified funds. 

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

Port of Epes Industrial Park Utilities Extension | Livingston, AL

DRA Investment: $509,000; Total Project Investment: $1,759,000

The University of West Alabama will use DRA funds to upgrade and extend the water and sewer system in the Port of Epes 

Industrial Park site for Enviva, the largest wood pellet producer in the country. This investment is projected to create 85 

new jobs. 

Jackson Flood Control Improvements | Jackson, AL

DRA Investment: $198,390; Total Project Investment: $460,235

The City of Jackson will use DRA funds to rehabilitate the drainage system along the main thoroughfare in the city to 

prevent frequent flooding that affects local businesses and residences. The city also received $211,845 from DRA’s States’ 

Economic Development Assistance Program.
54 55

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Black River Technical College Nursing Program Expansion | Pocahontas, AR

DRA Investment: $153,139; Total Project Investment: $1,209,847

Black River Technical College will use DRA funds to construct a modular Allied Health nursing facility at the Paragould 

campus to serve as the instructional site for the Associate of Applied Science Traditional RN Pathway program. This 

investment is projected to create three new jobs, retain five, and train 50 individuals for in-demand careers. 

Fairfield Bay Medical Helicopter Hangar | Fairfield Bay, AR

DRA Investment: $145,431; Total Project Investment: $160,990

The City of Fairfield Bay will use DRA funds to enhance the Department of Public Safety by constructing a new hangar 

to accommodate emergency medical helicopter service for the region. This investment is projected to create 10 new jobs. 

Walnut Ridge Broadband Improvements | Walnut Ridge, AR

DRA Investment: $104,764

The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will use DRA funds to install a buried fiber optic cable network to provide 

high-speed internet and phone service to the Walnut Ridge Industrial Park. 

PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE

The Delta Innovation Fund | Little Rock, AR

DRA Investment: $675,785

Winrock International Institute for Agriculture Development will use DRA funds to support the Delta I-Fund, a proofof-concept startup accelerator for early-stage entrepreneurs living and working in the Mississippi River Delta region. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Marshall Sewer System Expansion | Marshall, AR

DRA Investment: $231,770

The City of Marshall will use DRA funds to extend its existing sewer lines to provide utility services for a new hotel and 

increase the capacity of other sewer lines providing services to an elementary school and an underserved apartment 

complex for the elderly. This investment is projected to create nine new jobs, retain five, and impact 40 families who 

will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

Wilmar Sewer Treatment Plant Improvements | Wilmar, AR

DRA Investment: $200,000; Total Project Investment: $950,000

The City of Wilmar will use DRA funds to renovate its existing sewer treatment plant to expand the system’s capacity and 

improve services for local residents and businesses. This investment is projected to impact 215 families who will benefit 

from improved water and sewer services. 

Opportunity Zones Technical Assistance | Little Rock, AR

DRA Investment: $181,931

Opportunity Arkansas, an initiative of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Winrock International, will 

use DRA funds to bring together critical education and outreach to assist the region in developing projects that create jobs 

and revitalize the state of Arkansas. Opportunity Arkansas will serve as the Opportunity Zone Investment Hub, focusing 

on convening education and outreach activities, assisting Delta community leadership with project development, and 

promoting projects via an online portal to investors inside and outside the state of Arkansas.
56 57

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Port of Cairo Industrial Building Renovations | Mounds, IL

DRA Investment: $123,180; Total Project Investment: $240,693

Southern Illinois Stimulus Corporation will use DRA funds to make renovations to an industrial building located at the 

Port of Cairo to support future commercial development in the region. This investment is projected to create 16 new jobs. 

Sesser Water System Improvements | Sesser, IL

DRA Investment: $108,322; Total Project Investment: $120,358

The City of Sesser will use DRA funds to upgrade major components of their water system to provide better services to 

nearby residents and businesses. This investment is projected to impact 12 families who will benefit from improved water 

and sewer services. 

Opportunity Zones Technical Assistance | Marion, IL

DRA Investment: $99,777

Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission will use DRA funds to develop an OZ investment 

prospectus for a 16-county region. The prospectus will include demographic and economic indicator data, strategic 

advantages and assets, and investable opportunities in the designated OZ areas. Other partners in the effort include 

Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission, Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission, 

Southwestern Illinois Metropolitan and Regional Planning Commission, and Southern Five Regional Planning District 

and Development Commission. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

ILLINOIS 2019 INVESTMENTS 

STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Benton Water System Improvements | Benton, IL

DRA Investment: $206,000; Total Project Investment: $335,777

The City of Benton will use DRA funds to upgrade their water system and increase its capacity to provide services to 

nearby residents and businesses. This investment is projected to create one new job, retain 24, and impact 30 families who 

will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

Rend Lake College CDL Training | Ina, IL

DRA Investment: $193,880; Total Project Investment: $280,880

Rend Lake College will use DRA funds to develop a CDL training program and connect prospective students to Registered 

Apprenticeship (RA) programs approved and recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. This investment is projected to 

train 40 individuals for in-demand careers. 

Herrin Sewer System Replacement | Herrin, IL

DRA Investment: $166,650; Total Project Investment: $327,690

The City of Herrin will use DRA funds to replace the existing sanitary sewer lines and major components of two lift 

stations to provide better services for residents and businesses in the region. This investment is projected to impact 432 

families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 
58 59

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

KENTUCKY 2019 INVESTMENTS 

STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Dawson Springs Wastewater System Improvements | Dawson Springs, KY

DRA Investment: $408,000; Total Project Investment: $2,008,000

The City of Dawson Springs will use DRA funds to rehabilitate its wastewater collection system and treatment plant to 

improve utility services for local residents and businesses. This investment is projected to impact 717 families who will 

benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

Morganfield Water System Replacement | Morganfield, KY

DRA Investment: $256,500; Total Project Investment: $387,065

The City of Morganfield will use DRA funds to replace the water main servicing the central business district along East 

Main Street, the primary corridor into the city. This investment is projected to impact 60 families who will benefit from 

improved water and sewer services. 

Webster County Workforce Training Equipment | Dixon, KY

DRA Investment: $252,221; Total Project Investment: $376,721

Webster County will use DRA funds to purchase new equipment for the Webster County Area Technical School to enhance 

workforce training instruction for students enrolled in manufacturing, industrial, and CAD-related fields. This investment 

is projected to train 364 individuals for in-demand careers. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Hardin County General Hospital Expansion | Rosiclare, IL

DRA Investment: $85,050; Total Project Investment: $95,050

Hardin County General Hospital will use DRA funds to acquire a former retail pharmacy building to convert it into a new 

outpatient rehabilitation clinic to provide more services to their patients. This investment is projected to create two new 

jobs and retain 139. 

Carbondale Fiber Optic Cable Extension | Carbondale, IL

DRA Investment: $74,494; Total Project Investment: $229,877

The Southern Illinois Airport Authority will use DRA funds to install fiber optic cable to service two existing companies 

and provide opportunities for future development on their campus. This investment is projected to create one new job and 

retain one.

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

Williamson County Utilities Extension | Marion, IL

DRA Investment: $340,621; Total Project Investment: $10,377,653

The Lake of Egypt Water District will use DRA funds to expand its water and sewer system to support Road Ranger LLC, a 

new travel center along Interstate 57. This investment is projected to create 28 new jobs. 
60 61

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

and commercial growth in the region. This investment is projected to retain 600 jobs and impact 1,484 families who will 

benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

Marshall County Commercial Transportation Improvements | Benton, KY

DRA Investment: $415,456; Total Project Investment: $3,515,456

The Marshall County Fiscal Court will use DRA funds to make transportation improvements on the U.S. 641 South to 

provide safer access for commercial freight traffic. 

LOUISIANA 2019 INVESTMENTS 

STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Tallulah Sewer System Improvements | Tallulah, LA

DRA Investment: $313,743

The City of Tallulah will use DRA funds to replace the headworks at the sewer treatment plant, install two new aerators 

in the septic pond, and install a new dechlorinator to strengthen the existing infrastructure and provide residents with 

improved sewer services. This investment is projected to impact 3,065 families who will benefit from improved water and 

sewer services. 

Richardson Medical Center HVAC System Replacement | Rayville, LA

DRA Investment: $266,822 

Richardson Medical Center will use DRA funds to replace condensation pumps, electrical and control wiring, fan coils,

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Hopkins County Broadband Expansion | Madisonville, KY

DRA Investment: $155,500; Total Project Investment: $308,500

The Hopkins County Fiscal Court will use DRA funds to place six broadband communication stations on existing utility 

towers to extend internet service to rural areas throughout the county. 

Madisonville CDL Training Program | Madisonville, KY

DRA Investment: $143,380; Total Project Investment: $363,685

Madisonville Community College will use DRA funds to deliver a four-week course to prepare students for CDL licensure 

and meet the needs of regional industry seeking to hire credentialed truck drivers. This investment is projected to train 105 

individuals for in-demand careers. 

Paducah Medical Facility Renovation | Paducah, KY

DRA Investment: $55,125; Total Project Investment: $352,625

Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital will use DRA funds to retrofit an existing medical facility to provide staff and patients 

with a centralized location for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals suffering from epileptic seizures. This 

investment is projected to create two new jobs and retain three. 

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

Union County Sewer System Replacement | Morganfield, KY

DRA Investment: $779,646; Total Project Investment: $919,646

The Union County Fiscal Court will use DRA funds to replace major components of its sewer system to support residential 
62 63

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Grosse Tete Water System Enhancements | Grosse Tete, LA

DRA Investment: $150,000; Total Project Investment: $242,166

The Village of Grosse Tete will use DRA funds to replace the existing 2-inch water lines with 6-inch water lines and install 

fire hydrants on all streets lacking crucial safety infrastructure. This investment is projected to impact 60 families who will 

benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

Springhill Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement | Springhill, LA

DRA Investment: $150,000; Total Project Investment: $316,000

The North Webster Parish Industrial District will use DRA funds to install a new wastewater treatment plant with an 

expanded capacity of 12,000 gallons per day. This investment is projected to retain 552 jobs. 

Nunez Community College Aerospace Labs and Makerspace | Chalmette, LA

DRA Investment: $150,000; Total Project Investment: $1,180,000

Nunez Community College will use DRA funds to renovate a building to house its Aerospace Manufacturing Technology 

labs and STEAM makerspace to prepare students for high paying technical jobs. This investment is projected to create 20 

new jobs and retain 10; this project will also train 100 individuals for in-demand careers. 

Concordia Parish Sewer System Consolidation | Vidalia, LA

DRA Investment: $150,000; Total Project Investment: $523,412

The Concordia Parish Police Jury will use DRA funds to construct new hook-ups, collection lines, and treatment plant for 

Washington Heights to consolidate with the Concordia Parish Sewer District No. 1. This investment is projected to impact 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

air ducts, and piping insulation to improve their heating and cooling system and continue to provide residents with critical 

medical services. This investment is projected to create five new jobs and retain 175. 

Chalmette Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement | Chalmette, LA

DRA Investment: $200,000; Total Project Investment: $450,000

The St. Bernard Port will use DRA funds to replace their existing wastewater treatment plant with a new modern plant 

that provides more effective sanitary services to the port’s tenants and reduces overall operational costs. This investment is 

projected to retain 400 jobs. 

Delta Water System Improvements | Delta, LA

DRA Investment: $200,000

The Village of Delta will use DRA funds to construct a waterline parallel to Interstate 20 and extending to the interchange 

at Exit 186 to support existing industry and new business development. This investment is projected to create 30 new jobs 

and retain 15; the project will also impact 13 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

Franklin Wastewater System Improvements | Franklin, LA

DRA Investment: $150,000; Total Project Investment: $171,200

The City of Franklin will use DRA funds to renovate their existing wastewater treatment plant by installing new spiral 

screens, debris bagging system, and electrical power service for modern equipment. This investment is projected to impact 

3,400 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 
64 65

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Dixie Inn Sewer System Improvements | Minden, LA

DRA Investment: $99,750; Total Project Investment: $119,750

The Village of Dixie Inn will use DRA funds to repair and upgrade the deteriorating piping throughout their sewer treatment facility. This investment is projected to impact 170 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

Chatham Water Booster Station Renovation | Chatham, LA

DRA Investment: $80,000; Total Project Investment: $101,600

The Village of Chatham will use DRA funds to renovate their primary water booster station and demolish their existing 

booster pump assemblies and controls. This investment is projected to impact 255 families who will benefit from improved 

water and sewer services. 

Bienville Water Well Improvements | Bienville, LA

DRA Investment: $71,768

Lucky Water System, Inc. will use DRA funds to install a new automated well control system to replace their existing infrastructure that was damaged by a natural disaster. This investment is projected to impact 105 families who will benefit from 

improved water and sewer services. 

Baton Rouge GIS System | Baton Rouge, LA

DRA Investment: $36,750

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber will use DRA funds to create an interactive GIS system to promote state-certified sites 

industrial sites to companies seeking to relocate or expand their companies in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

1,106 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

Opportunity Zones Technical Assistance | Baton Rouge, LA

DRA Investment: $121,950

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber will use DRA funds to create an interactive website highlighting assets and investment 

opportunities in Opportunity Zones throughout the Capital region. 

Allen Parish GIS System | Oberlin, LA

DRA Investment: $100,000

The Allen Parish Police Jury will use DRA funds to develop a comprehensive GIS system that will allow the parish, related 

agencies, and companies to acquire accurate and up-to-date information on all properties, landmarks, and transportation 

networks for the regional area. This investment is projected to create four new jobs and retain four. 

Baton Rouge IT Apprenticeship Program | Baton Rouge, LA

DRA Investment: $100,000; Total Project Investment: $806,125

The Research Park Corporation will use DRA funds to expand Apprenti Louisiana – an IT Registered Apprenticeship 

program designed to source, screen, and train people to fill high-paying technology jobs across the state. This investment is 

projected to train 48 individuals for in-demand careers. 

Oak Grove Industrial Building Repairs | Oak Grove, LA

DRA Investment: $100,000; Total Project Investment: $150,000

The Town of Oak Grove will use DRA funds to repair the roof of an industrial building occupied by a company seeking to 

expand and create jobs. This investment is projected to create 10 new jobs and retain 12. 
66 67

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

communities in their footprint. Additionally, APC will collaborate with local partners to develop an interactive website to 

promote the region’s OZ areas and serve as a clearinghouse for prospective business and real estate projects.

MISSISSIPPI 2019 INVESTMENTS 

STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Sunflower County Access Road Improvements | Indianola, MS

DRA Investment: $332,945

Sunflower County will use DRA funds to make improvements to an access road to support the facility expansion of Delta 

Protein International, a manufacturing company specializing in the production and marketing of high-quality collagen 

hydrolysates. This investment is projected to create 10 new jobs and retain 20. 

Hollandale Access Road Enhancement | Hollandale, MS

DRA Investment: $306,512

The City of Hollandale will use DRA funds to repair and improve the access road to the Bayer Crop Science facility to allow 

for increased production and to reduce traffic for local residents. This investment is projected to create six new jobs and 

retain 46. 

Quitman County Workforce Development Center | Marks, MS

DRA Investment: $231,250

Quitman County will use DRA funds to rehabilitate a county-owned building to support a collaboration between NorthState Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

Grant Parish Sewer System Construction | Colfax, LA

DRA Investment: $1,000,000; Total Project Investment: $3,958,287

The Grant Parish Police Jury will use DRA funds to construct a new sewer plant and utility lines for the southern part of 

Grant Parish to incentivize pending and future industrial development in the region. This investment is projected to create 

20 new jobs and impact 155 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

West Monroe Commercial Park Drainage Improvements | West Monroe, LA

DRA Investment: $336,884

The City of West Monroe will use DRA funds to install a reinforced concrete box culvert to fill a ditch along Interstate-20 

Frontage Road to improve drainage and eliminate erosion in and around the city’s commercial park. 

Montgomery Water System Construction | Montgomery, LA

DRA Investment: $272,000

The Town of Montgomery will use DRA funds to construct a new water well, extend existing utility lines, and add a 

ground storage tank to provide greater capacity for the nearby 31-acre industrial park site. This investment is projected to 

impact 300 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

Opportunity Zones Technical Assistance | Lafayette, LA

DRA Investment: $119,000

The Acadiana Planning Commission (APC), a regional development organization located in south Louisiana, will build 

upon their regional investment prospectus and use DRA funds to create community-specific prospectuses for seven rural 
68 69

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Taylorsville Sewer System Improvements | Taylorsville, MS

DRA Investment: $110,050; Total Project Investment: $130,050

The Town of Taylorsville will use DRA funds to make improvements to a dilapidated sewer system which provides services 

to an underserved area. This investment is projected to impact 15 families who will benefit from improved water and 

sewer services. 

Panola County Industrial Facility Improvements | Batesville, MS

DRA Investment: $87,170; Total Project Investment: $2,352,170

Panola County will use DRA funds to rehabilitate an existing industrial building in Sardis, Mississippi by providing enhanced ventilation to extend the life of the facility for private sector occupancy. This investment is projected to create 

50 new jobs. 

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

Marshall County Water System Expansion | Holly Springs, MS

DRA Investment: $469,169; Total Project Investment: $719,169

Marshall County will use DRA funds to expand the capacity of their water system by extending water lines to the 

Chickasaw Trails Industrial Park to support future commercial development. 

Madison County Access Road Development | Canton, MS

DRA Investment: $450,000; Total Project Investment: $965,000

Madison County Economic Development Authority will use DRA funds to construct an access road through the Madison 

Megasite to position the region for increased economic development opportunities. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

west Mississippi Community College, Coahoma Community College, and The Marks Project to provide industry-driven 

workforce training to local residents. This investment is projected to train 50 individuals for in-demand careers. 

Moorhead Sewer System Extension | Moorhead, MS

DRA Investment: $206,274

The City of Moorhead will use DRA funds to extend the municipal sewer system to service an annexed area of the city and 

spur more commercial development in the region. This investment is projected to impact three individuals who will benefit 

from improved water and sewer services. 

Brandon Industrial Site Development | Brandon, MS

DRA Investment: $206,000; Total Project Investment: $339,000

Rankin First Economic Development Authority will use DRA funds to rough grade 200,000 square feet of land at the East 

Metro Center Park to incentivize additional industrial development for the region. 

Jackson Workforce Readiness Initiative | Jackson, MS

DRA Investment: $150,000; Total Project Investment: $470,000

Jobs for Mississippi Graduates will use DRA funds to implement its career readiness and dropout prevention program in 

high schools across Hinds, Madison, and Yazoo counties. This investment is projected to train 300 individuals for 

in-demand careers. 
70 71

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

JAG-Missouri, Inc. Workforce Readiness Initiative | Springfield, MO

DRA Investment: $200,000; Total Project Investment: $940,000

Jobs for America’s Graduates-Missouri, Inc. will use DRA funds to implement workforce readiness training and dropout 

prevention measures in 26 Missouri high schools. This investment is projected to train 1,700 individuals for 

in-demand careers. 

Mississippi County Road Improvements | Charleston, MO

DRA Investment: $155,500; Total Project Investment: $887,955

Mississippi County will use DRA funds to redesign and repair county roads to increase drainage and mitigate flooding that 

impacts the operations at the Mississippi County Port. This investment is projected to create 25 new jobs and retain 50. 

Cape Girardeau County Access Road Improvements | Jackson, MO

DRA Investment: $137,825; Total Project Investment: $270,325

Cape Girardeau County will use DRA funds to pave the gravel roads leading to the industrial park to support business 

expansion in the region. 

Piedmont Water System Extension | Piedmont, MO

DRA Investment: $132,093; Total Project Investment: $174,368

The City of Piedmont will use DRA funds to extend water and sewer lines and increase their system’s capacity to support 

the construction and operation of new commercial development in the city. This investment is projected to create five new 

jobs and impact five families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Panola County Industrial Facility Improvements | Batesville, MS

DRA Investment: $320,830; Total Project Investment: $2,352,170

Panola County will use DRA funds to rehabilitate an existing industrial building in Sardis, Mississippi by providing 

enhanced ventilation to extend the life of the facility for private sector occupancy. This investment is projected to create 

50 new jobs. 

Union County Industrial Park Utilities Expansion | New Albany, MS

DRA Investment: $241,588; Total Project Investment: $491,588

Union County will use DRA funds to expand water and gas utility services throughout the Martintown Industrial Park 

Corridor to support existing industry and future company expansions. This investment is projected to impact 11,846 

families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 

MISSOURI 2019 INVESTMENTS 

STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Pemiscot County Port Railroad Extension | Caruthersville, MO

DRA Investment: $206,000; Total Project Investment: $932,618

The Pemiscot County Port Authority will use DRA funds to extend the existing railroad to a new facility to increase the 

port’s capacity and ability to transload cottonseed from trucks to railcars. This investment is projected to create seven 

new jobs. 
72 73

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

TENNESSEE 2019 INVESTMENTS 

STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Lexington Sewer System Improvements | Lexington, TN

DRA Investment: $307,000; Total Project Investment: $1,145,200

The City of Lexington will use DRA funds to improve the local sewer facilities to increase the system’s capacity by eliminating areas of significant infiltration and inflow. This investment is projected to impact 2,850 families who will benefit from 

improved water and sewer services. 

Scotts Hill Water System Enhancements | Scotts Hill, TN

DRA Investment: $370,428; Total Project Investment: $400,428

The Town of Scotts Hill will use DRA funds to replace the existing water system controls with modernized equipment to 

improve the current conditions of the system’s telemetry. This investment is projected to impact 1,726 families who will 

benefit from improved water and sewer services.

Gibson County Rail Spur Extension | Milan, TN

DRA Investment: $218,039

Gibson County will use DRA funds to construct a rail spur to support the expansion of Hargett Materials and other 

industrial facilities in the area. This investment is projected to create 40 new jobs and retain 30. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

West Plains Water System Enhancement | West Plains, MO

DRA Investment: $105,255; Total Project Investment: $148,255

The Ozarks Development Corporation will use DRA funds to replace an existing backup water line at Heritage Business 

Park to increase capacity and efficiency for existing industry and to support the recruitment of new businesses. This investment is projected to retain 200 jobs. 

Missouri Opportunity Zone Initiative | Jefferson City, MO

DRA Investment: $105,000

This Missouri Department of Economic Development will use DRA funds to partner with regional planning commissions 

to develop tools and trainings to help local communities attract investment into their designated Opportunity Zones. 

New Madrid Workforce Training Programs | New Madrid, MO

DRA Investment: $80,000; Total Project Investment: $180,000

The New Madrid School District will use DRA funds to purchase equipment for their new electrician program as well as 

their graphic arts and welding programs. This investment is projected to train 40 individuals for in-demand careers. 

Ste. Genevieve Water System Improvements | Ste. Genevieve, MO

DRA Investment: $65,528; Total Project Investment: $82,680

Ste. Genevieve County, the City of Ste. Genevieve, and Ste. Genevieve Public Water Sewer District #1 will use DRA funds 

to construct an interconnection of their water systems for use in emergencies and natural disasters. This investment is 

projected to impact 2,380 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. 
74 75

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Rives Flood Control Improvements | Rives, TN

DRA Investment: $221,000

The Town of Rives will use DRA funds to improve the existing flood mitigation measures by installing a new culvert, 

flap gates, and conveyance improvements. This investment is projected to retain three jobs. 

Opportunity Zones Technical Assistance | Nashville, TN

DRA Investment: $38,000

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) will use DRA funds to create an 

information exchange database to serve as a marketing tool and interactive resource for interested stakeholders. The 

comprehensive database will serve as a virtual meeting place for investors, fund managers, property developers, new 

or expanding businesses, and local stakeholders. TNECD will also use the database to house the latest OZ news and

investment activity, serve as a search engine for eligible projects, and provide information on additional financial 

incentives at the state, county, and municipal level.
76 77

APPENDIX B: Project Summaries

Ford Next-Generation Learning Career Academies | Little Rock, AR

DRA Investment: $38,000

The Little Rock Regional Chamber will use DRA funds to collaborate with cross-sector partners to implement the

Ford Next-Generation Learning curriculum with the goal of mobilizing educators, local employers, and community 

leaders to meet the changing needs expressed by businesses and job seekers for greater alignment between education 

and high-growth, high-wage jobs. The innovative approach supports significant alignment and input from the business 

community to develop coordinated, industry-led workforce training and a more collaborative talent pipeline. Project 

partners will work collaboratively with educators to deliver classroom opportunities relevant to the real-world needs expressed by local and regional industry. Funds will be utilized to increase capacity to develop sector-based strategies 

for integration into the local education system.

KENTUCKY 2019 INVESTMENTS

Todd County Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center Program | Elkton, KY

DRA Investment: $149,964

Todd County Fiscal Court will use DRA funds to purchase industrial maintenance and welding equipment to train more 

than 80 students annually for high demand careers in Todd County and surrounding communities. 

LOUISIANA 2019 INVESTMENTS

Apprenti Louisiana | Baton Rouge, LA

DRA Investment: $150,000

The Research Park Corporation will use DRA funds to support Apprenti Louisiana, the first registered apprenticeship for 

Delta Workforce Grant Program

APPENDIX B: Project Summaries

ALABAMA 2019 INVESTMENTS

Waytech Workforce Training Initiative | Selma, AL

DRA Investment: $150,000

The Alabama 4th Judicial Circuit Community Correction Program will use DRA funds to support Waytech Industrial 

Academy in providing certified welding training to at least 27 participants in Dallas County.

ARKANSAS 2019 INVESTMENTS

UAM College of Technology-Crossett Welding Lab Expansion | Crossett, AR

DRA Investment: $150,000

UAM College of Technology-Crossett will use DRA funds to expand their existing lab from 22 fully-equipped welding 

stations to 30 to train full-time program participants and high school students simultaneously from eight counties and 

parishes in south Arkansas and north Louisiana.

Black River Technical College CDL Program | Pocahontas, AR

DRA Investment: $100,000

Black River Technical College will use DRA funds to implement a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program offering 

ten classes annually based on demand to support industry in a four-county region.
78 79

APPENDIX B: Project Summaries

TENNESSEE 2019 INVESTMENTS

EARN$TN - Expanding Apprenticeships in Rural Northwest Tennessee | Dyersburg, TN

DRA Investment: $150,000

Northwest Tennessee Workforce Board, Inc. will use DRA funds to promote apprenticeship opportunities to regional 

employers by assisting them with the development of federal apprenticeship standards, connecting qualified job seekers 

with employers, and facilitating the implementation of WIOA funding to support the expansion of Registered 

Apprenticeship programs for emerging industries.

Carroll County Technical Center Workforce Training Initiative | Huntingdon, TN

DRA Investment: $132,695

Carroll County School District will use DRA funds to support Carroll County Technical Center’s workforce training in 

partnership with Bethel University, McKenzie Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and area employers to train 

50 individuals in the fields of mechanical technology, automotive manufacturing, and construction, among other 

emerging industries.

Digital Agronomy Program | Covington, TN

DRA Investment: $79,705

TCAT Covington will use DRA funds to create a new digital agronomy program to meet the workforce needs of 

Indigo Agriculture, a regional company with plans to hire 2,000 agronomy associates over the next three years

Delta Workforce Grant Program

APPENDIX B: Project Summaries

technology careers in the State of Louisiana. Apprenti Louisiana will train nearly 50 individuals through the Registered 

Apprenticeship program to create a workforce pipeline for statewide industry. 

Jericho Road Workforce Development Program | New Orleans, LA

DRA Investment: $150,000

Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative will use DRA funds to train underserved residents in the construction trades to 

increase housing development in Orleans Parish and provide greater employment opportunities for program participants. 

MISSOURI 2019 INVESTMENTS

SEMO Water/Wastewater Apprenticeship Program | Ashland, MO

DRA Investment: $124,440

The Missouri Rural Water Association will use DRA funds to create a Registered Apprenticeship program for 20

individuals to acquire their Drinking Water Operations Specialist and Wastewater Operations Specialist 

Journeyman Certificate. 

Missouri State University Welding Program | West Plains, MO

DRA Investment: $125,300

Missouri State University will use DRA funds to purchase virtual reality welding equipment to train 100 individuals 

through an established apprenticeship program to serve several manufacturing companies located in a 7-county region. 
80 81

APPENDIX C: DRA Counties & Parishes

APPENDIX C: DRA Counties/Parishes

DRA Counties & Parishes

DRA serves 252 counties and parishes across its eight-state region:

Alabama:

Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, 

Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, 

Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Russell, Sumter, 

Washington, Wilcox

Arkansas:

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, Pulaski, Randolph, 

Searcy, Sharp, St. Francis, Stone, Union, Van Buren, 

White, Woodruff

Illinois:

Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, 

Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, 

Randolph, Saline, Union, White, Williamson

Kentucky:

Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, 

Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Henderson, Hickman, 

Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, 

McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg, Union, Webster

Louisiana:

Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, 

Beauregard, Bienville, Caldwell, Cameron, 

Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, 

East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, East Feliciana, 

Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, 

Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, La Salle, 

Lafourche, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison,

Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, 

Lousiana (cont.):

Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, 

Richland, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, 

St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, 

St. Martin, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Union, 

Vermillion, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge, 

West Carroll, West Feliciana, Winn

Mississippi:

Adams, Amite, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Carroll, 

Claiborne, Coahoma, Copiah, Covington, DeSoto, 

Franklin, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, 

Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, 

Lafayette, Lawrence, Leflore, Lincoln, Madison, 

Marion, Marshall, Montgomery, Panola, Pike, 

Quitman, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith, 

Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tunica, 

Union, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wilkinson, 

Yalobusha, Yazoo
82 83

APPENDIX C: DRA Counties & Parishes

APPENDIX C: DRA Counties/Parishes

Distressed & Non-Distressed Counties & Parishes

Distressed and Non-Distressed Counties and Parishes for FY 2019

Determination of a 

Distressed County/Parish: 

Unemployment rate of one percent 

higher (5.7 percent) than the national 

average (4.7 percent) for the most recent 

24-month period; or have a per capita 

income of 80 percent or less of the 

national per capita income.

AUTAUGA

BALDWIN

BARBOUR

BIBB

BLOUNT

BULLOCK

BUTLER

CALHOUN

CHAMBERS

CHEROKEE

CHILTON

CHOCTAW

CLARKE

CLAY

CLEBURNE

COFFEE

COLBERT

CONECUH

COOSA

COVINGTON

CRENSHAW

CULLMAN

DALE

DALLAS

DE KALB

ELMORE

ESCAMBIA

ETOWAH

FAYETTE

FRANKLIN

GENEVA

GREENE

HALE

HENRY

HOUSTON

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIMESTONE

LOWNDES

MACON

MADISON

MARENGO

MARION

MARSHALL

MOBILE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

PERRY

PICKENS

PIKE

RANDOLPH

RUSSELL

ST. CLAIR

SHELBY

SUMTER

TALLADEGA

TALLAPOOSA

TUSCALOOSA

WALKER

WASHINGTON

WILCOX

WINSTON

ARKANSAS

ASHLEY

BAXTER

BENTON

BOONE

BRADLEY

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICOT

CLARK

CLAY

CLEBURNE

CLEVELAND

COLUMBIA

CONWAY

CRAIGHEAD

CRAWFORD

CRITTENDEN

CROSS

DALLAS

DESHA

DREW

FAULKNER

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GARLAND

GRANT

GREENE

HEMPSTEAD

HOT SPRING

HOWARD

INDEPENDENCE

IZARD

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LINCOLN

LITTLE RIVER

LOGAN

LONOKE

MADISON

MARION

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NEVADA

NEWTON

OUACHITA

PERRY

PHILLIPS

PIKE

POINSETT

POLK

POPE

PRAIRIE

PULASKI

RANDOLPH

ST. FRANCIS

SALINE

SCOTT

SEARCY

SEBASTIAN

SEVIER

SHARP

STONE

UNION

VAN BUREN

WASHINGTON

WHITE

WOODRUFF

YELL

ADAMS

ALEXANDER

BOND

WINNEBAGO

BROWN

BUREAU

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CASS CHAMPAIGN

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLES

COOK

CRAWFORD

CUMBERLAND

DE KALB

DE WITT

DOUGLAS

D U

PAGE

EDGAR

EDWARDS

EFFINGHAM

FAYETTE

FORD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HENDERSON

HENRY

IROQUOIS

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JERSEY

LAKE

JOHNSON

KANE

KANKAKEE

KENDALL

KNOX

J O

DAVIESS

LA SALLE

LAWRENCE

LEE

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN

MCDONOUGH

STEPHENSON

MCLEAN

MACON

MACOUPIN

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MASON

MASSAC

MENARD

MERCER

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MOULTRIE

OGLE

PEORIA

PERRY

PIATT

PIKE

POPE

PULASKI

PUTNAM

RANDOLPH

RICHLAND

ROCK ISLAND

ST. CLAIR

SALINE

SANGAMON

SCHUYLER

SCOTT

SHELBY

STARK

MCHENRY

TAZEWELL

UNION

VERMILION

WABASH

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WHITE

WHITESIDE

WILL

WILLIAMSON

BOONE

WOODFORD

ADAIR

ALLEN

ANDERSON

BALLARD

BARREN

BATH

BELL

BOONE

BOURBON

BOYD

BOYLE

BRACKEN

BREATHITT

BRECKINRIDGE

BULLITT

CALDWELL BUTLER

CALLOWAY

CAMPBELL

CARLISLE

CARROLL

CARTER

CASEY

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

CRITTENDEN

CUMBERLAND

DAVIESS

EDMONSON

ELLIOTT

ESTILL

FAYETTE

FLEMING

FLOYD

FRANKLIN

FULTON

GALLATIN

GARRARD

GRANT

GRAVES

GRAYSON

GREEN

GREENUP

HANCOCK

HARDIN

HARLAN

HARRISON

HART

HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOPKINS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JESSAMINE

JOHNSON

KENTON

KNOTT

KNOX

LARUE

LAUREL

LAWRENCE

LEE

LESLIE LETCHER

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

LOGAN

LYON

MCCRACKEN

MCCREARY

MCLEAN

MADISON MAGOFFIN

MARION

MARSHALL

MARTIN

MASON

MEADE

MENIFEE

MERCER

METCALFE

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

MUHLENBERG

NELSON

NICHOLAS

OHIO

OLDHAM

OWEN

OWSLEY

PENDLETON

PERRY

PIKE

POWELL

PULASKI

ROBERTSON

ROCKCASTLE

ROWAN

RUSSELL

SCOTT

SHELBY

SIMPSON

SPENCER

TAYLOR

TODD

TRIGG

TRIMBLE

UNION

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WHITLEY

WOLFE

WOODFORD

ST. MARTIN

ST. MARTIN

ACADIA

ALLEN

ASCENSION

ASSUMPTION

AVOYELLES

BEAUREGARD

BIENVILLE

BOSSIER

CADDO

CALCASIEU

CALDWELL

CAMERON

CATAHOULA

CLAIBORNE

CONCORDIA

DE SOTO

EAST

BATON

ROUGE

EAST

CARROLL

EAST

FELICIANA

EVANGELINE

FRANKLIN

GRANT

IBERIA

IBERVILLE

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

LAFAYETTE

LAFOURCHE

LA SALLE

LINCOLN

LIVINGSTON

MADISON

MOREHOUSE

NATCHITOCHES

ORLEANS

OUACHITA

PLAQUEMINES

POINTE

COUPEE

RAPIDES

RED

RIVER

RICHLAND

SABINE

ST. BERNARD ST. CHARLES

ST.

HELENA

ST. JAMES

ST. JOHN

THE BAPTIST

ST. LANDRY

ST. MARY

ST. TAMMANY

TANGIPAHOA

TENSAS

TERREBONNE

UNION

VERMILION

VERNON

WASHINGTON

WEBSTER

WEST BATON

ROUGE

WEST

CARROLL

WEST

FELICIANA

WINN

ADAMS

ALCORN

AMITE

ATTALA

BENTON

BOLIVAR

CALHOUN

CARROLL

CHICKASAW

CHOCTAW

CLAIBORNE

CLARKE

CLAY

COAHOMA

COPIAH

COVINGTON

DE SOTO

FORREST

FRANKLIN

GEORGE

GREENE

GRENADA

HANCOCK

HARRISON

HINDS

HOLMES

HUMPHREYS

ISSAQUENA

ITAWAMBA

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

DAVIS

JONES

KEMPER

LAFAYETTE

LAMAR

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEAKE

LEE

LEFLORE

LINCOLN

LOWNDES

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

NESHOBA

NEWTON

NOXUBEE

OKTIBBEHA

PANOLA

PEARL RIVER

PERRY

PIKE

PONTOTOC

PRENTISS

QUITMAN

RANKIN

SCOTT

SHARKEY

SIMPSON

SMITH

STONE

SUNFLOWER

TALLAHATCHIE

TATE

TIPPAH

TISHOMINGO

TUNICA

UNION

WALTHALL

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WILKINSON

WINSTON

YALOBUSHA

YAZOO

JEFFERSON

ADAIR

ANDREW

ATCHISON

AUDRAIN

BARRY

BARTON

BATES

BENTON

BOLLINGER

BOONE

BUCHANAN

BUTLER

CALDWELL

CALLAWAY

CAMDEN

CAPE

GIRARDEAU

CARROLL

CARTER

CASS

CEDAR

CHARITON

CHRISTIAN

CLARK

CLAY

CLINTON

COLE

COOPER

CRAWFORD

DADE

DALLAS

DAVIESS

DE KALB

DENT

DOUGLAS

DUNKLIN

FRANKLIN

GASCONADE

GENTRY

GREENE

GRUNDY

HARRISON

HENRY

HICKORY

HOLT

HOWARD

HOWELL

IRON

JACKSON

JASPER

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LACLEDE

LAFAYETTE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LINN

LIVINGSTON

MCDONALD

MACON

MADISON

MARIES

MARION

MERCER

MILLER

MISSISSIPPI

MONITEAU

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MORGAN

NEW MADRID

NEWTON

NODAWAY

OREGON

OSAGE

OZARK

PEMISCOT

PERRY

PETTIS

PHELPS

PIKE

PLATTE

POLK PULASKI

PUTNAM

RALLS

RANDOLPH

RAY

REYNOLDS

RIPLEY

ST. CHARLES

ST. CLAIR

ST.

GENEVIEVE

ST.

FRANCOIS

ST. LOUIS

SALINE

SCHUYLER

SCOTLAND

SCOTT

SHANNON

SHELBY

STODDARD STONE

SULLIVAN

TANEY

TEXAS

VERNON

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEBSTER

WORTH

WRIGHT

ST. LOUIS CITY

ANDERSON

BEDFORD

BENTON

BLEDSOE

BLOUNT

BRADLEY

CAMPBELL

CANNON

CARROLL

CARTER

CHEATHAM

CHESTER

CLAIBORNE CLAY

COCKE

COFFEE

CROCKETT

CUMBERLAND

DAVIDSON

DECATUR

DE KALB

DICKSON DYER

FAYETTE

FENTRESS

FRANKLIN

GIBSON

GILES

GRAINGER

GREENE

GRUNDY

HAMBLEN

HAMILTON

HANCOCK

HARDEMAN

HARDIN

HAWKINS

HAYWOOD

HENDERSON

HENRY

HICKMAN

HOUSTON

HUMPHREYS

JACKSON

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

KNOX

LAKE

LAUDERDALE

LAWRENCE

LEWIS

LINCOLN

LOUDON

MCMINN

MCNAIRY

MACON

MADISON

MARION

MARSHALL

MAURY

MEIGS

MONROE

MONTGOMERY

MOORE

MORGAN

OBION

OVERTON

PERRY

PICKETT

POLK

PUTNAM

RHEA

ROANE

ROBERTSON

RUTHERFORD

SCOTT

SEQUATCHIE

SEVIER

SHELBY

SMITH

STEWART

SULLIVAN

SUMNER

TIPTON

TROUSDALE

UNICOI

UNION

VAN

BUREN

WARREN

WASHINGTON

WAYNE

WEAKLEY

WHITE

WILLIAMSON

WILSON

Determination of a Distressed County/Parish:

Unemployment rate of one percent higher (5.2 percent) than the national 

Distressed

Non-Distressed

DRA serves 252 counties and parishes across its eight-state region:

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

Tennessee:

Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, 

Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, 

Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, McNairy, 

Madison, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, Weakley

Distressed

Non-Distressed
84

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