Delta Regional Authority 2017 Year in Review 

ALABAMA - ARKANSAS - ILLINOIS - KENTUCKY - LOUISIANA - MISSISSIPPI - MISSOURI - TENNESSEE
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Message from the Federal Co-Chairman

Delta Regional Authori

Office of the Federal Co-C

As we look back on a productive year, the Delta Regional Authority remains committed to working diligently 

for the communities, families, and businesses across the Delta region. 2017 was an important year for DRA 

as the agency and its partners made strategic investments in various projects and programs supporting the 

region’s economic development efforts while undergoing a seamless transition to new leadership.

In May, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey was appointed to serve as States’ Co-Chair to lead DRA’s Board of 

Governors, and in August President Donald J. Trump appointed Peter D. Kinder to serve as DRA’s Alternate 

Federal Co-Chairman. Under their leadership in 2017, DRA continued to support the economic and community development needs of Delta residents throughout the eight-state region. I am thankful to Chairman 

Kinder for guiding the agency’s investment decisions related to our States’ Economic Development Assistance 

Program (SEDAP) and Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF). 

Going forward, I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the next Federal Co-Chairman of 

DRA.
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I am committed to ensuring that DRA will continue to forge public-private partnerships and make investments that strengthen basic public infrastructure, enhance workforce training and education, and improve 

opportunities for business development.

In FY 2017, DRA contributed over $21 million into 87 local and statewide projects, with an additional $216 

million coming from public and private investments. These projects are estimated to create and retain more 

than 4,700 jobs, enhance water and sewer services for nearly 114,000 families, and provide quality workforce 

development training to more than 13,000 people.

Looking ahead, DRA will remain a catalyst for sustainable economic and community development efforts 

across the Delta. On behalf of DRA’s board members and staff, I thank you for all the work you have done to 

create economic opportunities for the people of the Delta region and for your continued support of the Delta 

Regional Authority. May we celebrate last year’s accomplishments and work toward more success in the years 

ahead!

Sincerely,

Chris R. Caldwell, Federal Co-Chairman 
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Table of Contents

About this Publication

DRA Leadership

Investing in the Delta Federal Investment Programs Cumulative Regional Investments Total State Investments | FY 2017 Rural Investment Report | FY 2017

Strategic Investments

Alabama

Arkansas

Illinois

Kentucky

Louisiana

Mississippi

Missouri

Tennessee

RCAP

Growing Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs Delta Entrepreneurship Network 

7

8-9

11

13

15

17

18-21

22-25

26-29

30-33

34-37

38-41

42-45

46-49

50-51

53
5 Table of Contents

Promoting a Healthy Delta

Delta Doctors Innovative Readiness Training

Empowering Delta Leadership Delta Leadership Institute Delta Leadership Network

DeltaCorps

Supporting Tourism and the Cultural Economy Delta Creative Placemaking Initiative

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships Leading Economically Competitive & Resilient Communities Local Foods, Local Places Federal Brownfields Network Broadband Interagency Working Group

Ensuring Transparent & Effective Government Project Monitoring & Compliance

Administration & Operations Accountability & Operational Excellence

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

APPENDIX B: DRA Counties and Parishes

 Distressed Counties and Parishes

55

57

59

61

63

65

67

69

71

71

73

75

76-103

104-106

107
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2017 Year in Review

“The Delta Regional Authority is proud to forge public-private partnerships and work with key stakeholders such as our 

governors and congressional delegations to invest in projects that make the Delta more competitive regionally, nationally 

and globally. We will make investments where they will have the most impact and deliver the greatest return.” 

 -Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell, Delta Regional Authority
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About this Publication

The Delta Regional Authority presents its 2017 Year in Review, which serves as the agency’s Annual 

Report to 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 2017, 

including an index that lists the individual projects that 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 needs, 

 improve opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and provide quality workforce 

 training and education.

 • Our strategic programs and regionwide initiatives that are increasing community capacity, such as 

 the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) and the Delta Creative Placemaking Initiative.

 • DRA efforts to promote a holistic approach to economic development supported by public-private 

 partnerships that are necessary for Delta communities to compete regionally, nationally, and globally.
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Chris R. Caldwell

Federal Co-Chairman

Peter D. Kinder

Alternate Federal Co-Chairman

Governor 

Asa Hutchinson

Governor 

Eric Greitens

Governor 

Matt Bevin

Governor 

Phil Bryant

Governor 

Bruce Rauner

Governor Kay Ivey Alabama

States’ Co-Chair

Governor 

Bill Haslam

Governor 

John Bel

Edwards

Board of Governors

 ARKANSAS ILLINOIS KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI TENNESSEE 

*During a portion of the 2017 fiscal year, the State of Alabama was represented by former Governor Robert Bentley and the State of Missouri was represented by former 

Governor Jay Nixon on the DRA’s Board of Governors.
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Designees & Alternates

DRA Leadership

ILLINOIS

Designee - Kristy Stephenson

kristy.stephenson@illinois.gov

(217) 993-1088

Alternate - Kim Watson

kim.watson@illinois.gov

(618) 993-7630

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

Bobby Morgan

bobby.morgan@governor.ms.gov

(601) 359-3150

MISSOURI

Designee & Alternate

Luke Holtschneider

luke.holtschneider@ded.mo.gov

(573) 751-4999

TENNESSEE

Designee & Alternate

Brooxie Carlton

brooxie.carlton@tn.gov

(615) 741-8806

ALABAMA

Designee - Kenneth Boswell

kenneth.boswell@adeca.alabama.gov

(334) 242-5090

Alternate - Kelly Chasteen

kelly.chasteen@adeca.alabama.gov

(334) 353-5308

“It is a distinct honor and privilege to serve alongside my colleagues and 

provide the leadership necessary to grow the Delta region. DRA’s board of 

governors, with support from our designees and alternates, plays a vital role in 

moving our region forward and guiding our investment decisions.” 

 -Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, DRA States’ Co-Chair

ARKANSAS

Designee & Alternate

Amy Fecher

afecher@arkansasedc.com

(501) 682-1124
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Investing in the Delta

“The Delta Regional Authority remains committed to making investments that contribute to the economic growth of the rural communities we serve, which include more than 10 million residents in eight states and 252 counties and parishes. Our 

focus will remain on building public-private partnerships that support job creation, build communities, and improve lives.” 

 -Alternate Federal Co-Chairman Peter D. Kinder, Delta Regional Authority
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States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP)

The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program is DRA’s primary investment program. Since 2002, 

DRA has leveraged more than $182 million of its own appropriations with more than $3.5 billion 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: 

 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 2017, 

DRA invested an additional $10 million 

in projects addressing 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 2017 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.
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Investing in the Delta

“These investments represent the Delta Regional Authority’s commitment to building strong partnerships with Mississippi 

communities to support economic development and improve quality of life. I commend the agency and its public and 

private partners who will undertake these important projects.”

 -U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, Mississippi
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Cumulative Regional Investments

Investing in the Delta

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 1,149

DRA INVESTMENT:

$185,368,284

PUBLIC Investment: $1,086,937,609

INVESTMENTS | FY 2002-2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

55,140

44,927

238,641

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $2,457,268,583

Map shows all DRA projects from 2002-2017.

Projects awarded in 2017 are in gold.
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Investing in the Delta

“This new funding will continue to spur economic growth and opportunities in rural Alabama. Monroeville, Carrolton, 

Tuskegee, Camden, Selma, and Perry county, as well as the entire state, will benefit from these investments, and I am 

grateful for the partnership Alabama continues to have with the DRA.” 

 -U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, Alabama
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Total State Investments | FY 2017

Investing in the Delta

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 87

DRA INVESTMENT:

$21,298,620

PUBLIC Investment: $61,818,434

INVESTMENTS | FY 2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

4,734

13,037

113,628

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $155,119,454
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Investing in the Delta

 “The Delta Regional Authority investments will improve the quality of life for communities in southeastern Missouri by 

strengthening infrastructure, expanding workforce training opportunities, and improving access to health care. I’ve been 

proud to back the DRA’s efforts, and will continue working to ensure it has the resources it needs to boost economic growth 

in the region.” -U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, Missouri
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Rural Investment Report | FY 2017

Investing in the Delta

The United States Department of Agriculture defines rural communities as those with a 

population of less than 50,000 residents. In 2017, nearly 94 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
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Strategic Investments

ALABAMA
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ALABAMA

ALABAMA

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 114

DRA INVESTMENT:

$17,724,208

PUBLIC Investment: $36,366,015

INVESTMENTS | FY 2002-2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

5,431

648

11,527

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $26,500,000

Map shows all DRA projects from 2002-2017.

Projects awarded in 2017 are in gold.
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Strategic Investments

“The Delta Regional Authority is an essential partner to Alabama in helping us meet the needs of the most rural parts of our 

state. By investing over $1 million in our state, DRA is helping rural communities strengthen their infrastructure, improve 

economic opportunities, and increase access to important cultural enhancements.” 

 -Governor Kay Ivey, State of Alabama
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ALABAMA

ALABAMA

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 10

DRA INVESTMENT:

$2,524,447

PUBLIC Investment: $3,355,054

INVESTMENTS | FY 2017

JOBs created & retained

families affected

166

1,101

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $3,300,000

FY 2017 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Industrial Building Renovation

The City of Monroeville will renovate a 60,000 square 

foot industrial building to be leased by a Canada-based 

manufacturing supplier, establishing a new production facility and creating 60 new jobs in the area.

DRA Investment: $256,500

Total Investment: $2,256,500

Monroeville, AL
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Strategic Investments

ARKANSAS
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ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 147

DRA INVESTMENT:

$29,906,740

PUBLIC Investment: $294,177,811

INVESTMENTS | FY 2002-2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

7,807

4,112

10,967

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $421,754,970

Map shows all DRA projects from 2002-2017.

Projects awarded in 2017 are in gold.
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Strategic Investments

“We appreciate DRA’s investments, which are important to the continued economic development of our state. These 

investments will make infrastructure improvements, support business expansion and help create new jobs across Arkansas.”

-Governor Asa Hutchinson, State of Arkansas
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ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 9

DRA INVESTMENT:

$2,844,610

PUBLIC Investment: $13,567,088

INVESTMENTS | FY 2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

1,195

34

246

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $12,065,470

FY 2017 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Industrial Park Transportation Improvements

St. Francis County will construct a rail spur and 

enhance the road network throughout Forrest City’s industrial park. These improvements will alleviate traffic congestion and support business expansion and job 

creation for a local distribution facility and textile mill.

DRA Investment: $225,000

Total Investment: $2,225,000

Forrest City, AR
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Strategic Investments

ILLINOIS
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ILLINOIS

ILLINOIS

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 153

DRA INVESTMENT:

$14,199,816

PUBLIC Investment: $85,145,457

INVESTMENTS | FY 2002-2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

5,220

8,526

93,865

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $54,158,746

Map shows all DRA projects from 2002-2017.

Projects awarded in 2017 are in gold.
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“The State of Illinois is proud to partner with the Delta Regional Authority in job creation, business development and 

infrastructure improvements. DRA investments help us ensure that all Illinoisans have the best quality of life possible 

and access to high-quality, good paying jobs right here in Illinois.”

 -Governor Bill Rauner, State of Illinois

Strategic Investments
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ILLINOIS

ILLINOIS

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 8

DRA INVESTMENT:

$1,718,671

PUBLIC Investment: $5,573,651

INVESTMENTS | FY 2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

499

54

70,528

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $15,800,000 FY 2017 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Hospital Technology and Equipment Upgrade

The Franklin Hospital District will modernize its imaging department by replacing the current analog breast imaging system with digital capabilities, an upgrade that is necessary to meet 

federal, state and American College of Radiology 

certifications for continued operation and service.

DRA Investment: $140,404 

Total Investment: $156,305

Benton, IL
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Strategic Investments

KENTUCKY
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KENTUCKY

KENTUCKY

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 82

DRA INVESTMENT:

$15,787,198

PUBLIC Investment: $109,164,876

INVESTMENTS | FY 2002-2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

3,032

249

10,494

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $148,695,000

Map shows all DRA projects from 2002-2017.

Projects awarded in 2017 are in gold.
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“Few things are more important to the health and vitality of a community than access to clean, safe water and improved 

infrastructure for further economic growth and development. We are grateful for the DRA’s assistance as we make this region 

of Kentucky more attractive than ever before, and look forward to the fresh opportunities this partnership will create.” 

 -Governor Matt Bevin, Commonwealth of Kentucky

Strategic Investments
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KENTUCKY

KENTUCKY

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 6

DRA INVESTMENT:

$1,724,312

PUBLIC Investment: $3,533,047

INVESTMENTS | FY 2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

5

45

1,723

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $300,000

FY 2017 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Riverport Cargo Yard Improvements

The Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority will repave its cargo yard, enabling the facility to support increased truck traffic and container-on-barge operations, while ensuring safe transit 

for its expanding customer base and new industries.

DRA Investment: $307,000 

Total Investment: $427,000

Paducah, KY
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Strategic Investments

LOUISIANA
35

LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 247

DRA INVESTMENT:

$32,147,619

PUBLIC Investment: $155,361,343

INVESTMENTS | FY 2002-2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

10,012

3,073

45,153

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $807,275,000

Map shows all DRA projects from 2002-2017.

Projects awarded in 2017 are in gold.
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“This is tremendous, and I want to thank the DRA for investing in projects that will enable our people and our communities 

to have safe drinking water, expand health care options, and provide access to workforce training and development programs 

that will ultimately enhance the lives of so many.” 

 -Governor John Bel Edwards, State of Louisiana

Strategic Investments
37

LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA

FY 2017 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Fiber Network Infrastructure Upgrade

The City of New Orleans will build an institutional fiber network connecting its primary and secondary data centers at City Hall and Orleans Parish 

Communications District, providing the necessary 

infrastructure to connect thirteen additional city 

and quasi-city owned sites along Interstate 10. 

DRA Investment: $266,555

Total Investment: $586,555

New Orleans, LA

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 23

DRA INVESTMENT:

$3,589,314

PUBLIC Investment: $7,139,375

INVESTMENTS | FY 2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

1,104

1,893

13,495

OUTCOMES
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Strategic Investments

MISSISSIPPI
39

MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 163

DRA INVESTMENT:

$31,084,439

PUBLIC Investment: $126,117,526

INVESTMENTS | FY 2002-2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

5,405

23,741

33,317

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $271,944,377

Map shows all DRA projects from 2002-2017.

Projects awarded in 2017 are in gold.
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“These projects will address vital needs in our Delta communities. They will upgrade infrastructure, improve quality of life 

and promote economic development. I am grateful to Sen. Cochran, Sen. Wicker and the Delta Regional Authority for making 

them a reality.”

-Governor Phil Bryant, State of Mississippi

Strategic Investments
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MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 16

DRA INVESTMENT:

$4,431,730

PUBLIC Investment:

INVESTMENTS | FY 2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

110

10,025

9,531

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment:

FY 2017 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Construction of Workforce Training Center

DeSoto County will construct a new 20,000 

square foot building, strategically located near the 

county’s Career and Technology Center, to accommodate the WIN Job Center and Northwest Mississippi Community College – Workforce Development 

services, establishing a regional hub for job training and workforce services in northwest Mississippi.

DRA Investment: $307,000

Total Investment: $4,307,000

Hernando, MS

 $14,865,654

$5,000,000
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Strategic Investments

MISSOURI
43

MISSOURI

MISSOURI

Map shows all DRA projects from 2002-2017.

Projects awarded in 2017 are in gold.

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 135

DRA INVESTMENT:

$21,186,633

PUBLIC Investment: $93,090,126

INVESTMENTS | FY 2002-2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

8,008

2,019

2,047

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $222,779,030
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“Southeast Missouri benefits from the Delta Regional Authority’s ability to deliver economic development and infrastructure 

investments that provide substantial improvements for rural residents and communities. DRA, along with its partners, will 

help bring additional investments into our state to improve the lives of rural residents and help deliver workforce training 

and jobs to underserved communities.” -Governor Eric Greitens, State of Missouri

Strategic Investments
45

MISSOURI

MISSOURI

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 6

DRA INVESTMENT:

$2,752,368

PUBLIC Investment: $10,312,680

INVESTMENTS | FY 2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

323

176

161

OUTCOMES FY 2017 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Regional Port Rail Expansion

SEMO Regional Port Authority will construct 4,200 

feet of railroad to increase its capacity to hold a second train making operations more efficient for new 

and existing consumers. 

DRA Investment: $1,600,000

Total Investment: $2,296,750

Scott City, MO
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Strategic Investments

TENNESSEE
47 TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE

Map shows all DRA projects from 2002-2017.

Projects awarded in 2017 are in gold.

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 108

DRA INVESTMENT:

$23,331,631

PUBLIC Investment: $187,514,454

INVESTMENTS | FY 2002-2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

10,225

2,559

31,271

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $504,161,460
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“The Delta Regional Authority’s decision to invest more than $2.9 million in federal funding for projects in West Tennessee 

will help create more good jobs, support training to give workers the skills that they need, and improve basic infrastructure 

that will help bring new employers to West Tennessee and encourage our existing employers to expand.” 

 -U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, Tennessee

Strategic Investments
49

TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE

TOTAL DRA PROJECTS 9

DRA INVESTMENT:

$2,913,168

PUBLIC Investment: $3,471,885

INVESTMENTS | FY 2017

JOBs created & retained

individuals trained

families affected

1,332

810

16,843

OUTCOMES

PRIVATE Investment: $118,653,984

FY 2017 INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Manufacturing Facility Expansion

McNairy County Economic Development will construct 

a new 120,000 square foot facility to support the expansion of an existing manufacturing company , adding a new 

product line and creating 140 new jobs in the local area. 

DRA Investment: $800,000

Total Investment: $10,110,052

Selmer, TN
50

Strategic Investments

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

economic and community development strategies. Examples of programs and initiatives funded in 

the past include: the Delta Leadership Institute, Leading Economically Competitive and Resilient 

Communities, and Local Foods, Local Places.

Since 2003, DRA has successfully applied for more than 

$38 million in RCAP funding, which has supported 275 

projects throughout the Mississippi River Delta region. 

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

Directors from each of the eight states. In FY2017, 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.
52

“The DRA’s DEN program contributed to the success of our funding round by offering us greater exposure to local angel 

investors as well as further access to national institutional investors. After completing the DEN program, we turned 1 year 

old, went on to meet or exceed our 2017 goals and are on track to accomplish some exciting things in 2018.” 

 -Josh Herwig, Co-Founder of SOMAVAC

Growing Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs
53

The Delta Entrepreneurship Network (DEN) was a threeyear partnership with The Idea Village in New Orleans from 

2015-2017. It was launched to identify, connect, nurture, and 

grow entrepreneurs and support organizations from across 

the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions 

by addressing regional deficiencies in capital, training, 

and best practices through a connected infrastructure 

of support organizations, investors, and educators. 

Small Business & Entrepreneurs

Delta Entrepreneurship Network

ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT 

ORGANIZATIONS 

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES 

AND UNIVERSiTIES FELLOWS

REGIONAL PITCH COMPETITIONS

16

6

17

6

DEN FELLOW SPOTLIGHT

Memphis-based SOMAVAC Medical, a medical device company, won DRA’s 2017 Delta Showcase as the top entrepreneurial 

business in the Delta region. DEN helpedposition the company 

to raise $725,000 in an oversubscribed funding round.

DEN 2016-2017 OUTCOMES

DELTA ENTREPRENEURSHIP FELLOWS
54

Promoting a Healthy Delta

“DRA believes that health is a vital component of economic development and future business growth in the Delta. Access to 

a healthy workforce is important to industries looking to locate operations in our region and create jobs for our residents.”

 -Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell, Delta Regional Authority
55

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 2017, DRA processed 80 applications for the Delta Doctors program.

Promoting a Healthy Delta

Delta Doctors

2017 DELTA DOCTORS OUTCOMES
56

Promoting a Healthy Delta

“The purpose of the IRT program is to provide real-world training opportunities for our service members to utilize the skillsets 

within their military occupational specialties while supporting the needs of America’s communities. Our service members are 

excited to be immersed in these missions, which help build stronger communities and connect Americans to the U.S. Military 

while building mission-ready forces.” -Major R. Nathan DeVoe, 3rd Medical Command IRT Project Manager
57

Innovative Readiness Training

Promoting a Healthy Delta

The Delta Regional Authority partners with the U.S. Department of Defense to deliver the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program. IRT missions provide medically-trained military medical personnel with in-field 

emergency response preparation while simultaneously providing quality 

healthcare services to communities throughout the Delta region. 

In 2017, DRA hosted three IRT missions 

bringing medical, dental, and optical care to 

Delta residents at no cost to the patient:

• Ozark Highlands: June 5-12 in Mountain 

Home, Yellville, and Marshall, Arkansas.

• Louisiana Care: July 10-22 in Reserve, 

Napoleonville, and Amite, Louisiana. 

• Operation Healthy Delta: September 

13-21 in Charleston and Caruthersville, 

Missouri. 

2017 IRT Mission Outcomes
58

Empowering Delta Leadership

“The Delta Leadership Institute is connecting local community leaders to the resources and successful strategies they need 

bring positive change to their communities. Most importantly DLI connects these leaders to each other to be a network of 

support, inspiration, and collaboration that is investing in Delta communities across the region. 

 -Spencer Lucker, Director of the Delta Leadership Institute
59

Founded in 2005, the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) 

supports local economic development by building 

leadership skills among Delta residents and fostering 

collaboration with partners in the public and private 

sectors to improve the economic and social viability 

of the Delta region as well as the overall quality of life 

for Delta people. 

DLI relies on the administrative, programming, 

and curricular support from a consortium of three 

university partners: The University of Alabama, 

Arkansas State University, and the University of 

Louisiana at Monroe.

The year-long DLI Executive Academy is designed to 

provide professional leadership development and policy training in the issues most challenging to Delta communities. This year the Executive Academy instituted 

consultancy protocols to use DLI fellows to help each 

other identify solutions for real-life challenges they are 

facing in their communities. Data collected following 

each meeting ensures that the training and experience 

are tailored to the needs of the cohort. The Delta Leadership Institute graduated 49 fellows from its twelfth class 

in August. 

The 2017-18 class of the DLI Executive Academy held its 

first two sessions in Potosi, Missouri and Memphis.

Delta Leadership Institute

Empowering Delta Leadership

2016 - 2017 DLI Executive Academy Sessions:

Session I: Orientation | Potosi, MO

Session II | Transportation and Infrastructure

Memphis, TN

Session III: Entrepreneurship and Resilience

New Orleans, LA

Session IV: Public Health and Education

Little Rock, AR

Session V: Tourism as Economic Development

Atmore, AL

Session VI: Public Policy and Governance

Washington, DC

Session VII: Graduation | Lake Barkley, KY
60

Empowering Delta Leadership

“The Delta Leadership Network is a highly motivated organization with the mission of the Delta Regional Authority at its 

core. DLN members are leaders throughout the delta region who work tirelessly to improve lives and foster economic 

development in their respective communities.” 

 -Brad Thompson, Chair of Delta Leadership Network Regional Advisory Council
61

The Delta Leadership Network comprises the alumni of the Ex-

ecutive Academy and is tasked with maintaining these relation-

ships among regional leaders so as to foster regional collabora-

tion, resource sharing, and continued education to help these 

leaders address the Delta’s most pressing issues. 

The nearly 500 members of the DLN continue their engagement 

with the Delta Leadership Institute through state meetings, an 

annual Delta Leadership Network conference, and continued 

engagement with new cohorts of the Executive Academy. 

In February 2017, the DLN hosted its fourth annual conference 

which had approximately 175 participants in attendance – in-

cluding DLN members, DRA staff and board members, speak-

ers, and guests – an increase of approximately 75 percent over 

the 2014 and 2015 conferences. 

In November 2017, DLN partnered with Harvard Kennedy 

School for its third executive education opportunity in Authen-

tic Leadership, attended by 39 DLN members from across the 

eight states.

Delta Leadership Network

Empowering Delta Leadership
62

Empowering Delta Leadership

Thanks to the addition of DeltaCorps members in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, SBP was able to meet critical needs for low 

income communities impacted by flooding in 2016, with 448 individuals receiving disaster support services. We are 

incredibly grateful for the support that DRA has given us and the people of South Louisiana.

 -Angela Pinckard-Hale, National AmeriCorps Deputy Director of SBP USA
63

DeltaCorps, a program of AmeriCorps and the Delta Regional Authority, deploys corps members to local 

organizations in the Delta region to help them improve economic opportunity in their communities. 

DeltaCorps is a force-multiplying vehicle for national service projects throughout the Delta, meaning that 

member activities should leverage successful pre-existing resources and models that have potential for growth 

within host site organizations. This year, DeltaCorps brought on 11 new host organizations and renewed its 

partnership with 7 additional organizations to host more than 40 corps members across six states. Since 2016, 

DeltaCorps has recruited more than 100 members to serve in Delta communities. 

Empowering Delta Leadership

DeltaCorps

448 DISASTER RECOVERY SUPPORT

1,630 FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING

TRANSITIONED INTO SAFE, 

HEALTHY HOUSING 22

57 YOUTH CONNECTED TO MENTORS

50 ACADEMIC TRAINING IN LITERACY/MATH

CHILDREN ENROLLED IN 

EARLY EDUCATION 100

SUPPORT FOR 296 LONG-TERM HUNGER

VETERANS AND MILITARY

FAMILIES SERVED 335

OUTCOMES:

DeltaCorps members provided the following services to 

individuals across the region in 2017:
64

Supporting Tourism & the Cultural Economy

“The DRA Placemaking Grant added immediate momentum to the effort of revitalizing our Strand Theatre. This investment 

will help the Strand achieve financial stability, develop new programming and encourage community engagement. The City 

of Atmore is grateful for DRA’s investment is the Strand, which is key to our revitalization efforts.” 

 -Mayor Jim Staff, City of Atmore, Alabama
65

Delta Creative Placemaking Initiative

Tourism & the Cultural Economy

DRA, in partnership with leading national arts and government 

organizations, launched its pilot Delta Creative Placemaking Initiative 

to strengthen the Delta economy and improve the quality of life for the 

region’s 10 million residents. In 2017, DRA contributed nearly $460,000 

to stimulate economic and community development efforts through 

promoting the unique places, arts, culture, music, and food of Delta 

communities. 

INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHTS:

Atmore, AL: DRA Investment: $15,000 | Total Investment: $35,000

In partnership with the Pride of Atmore, the city will develop and implement a master plan for 

The Strand Theatre revitalization project to achieve financial stability, develop new programming 

and encourage community engagement.

Metropolis, IL: DRA Investment: $22,000 | Total Investment: $60,000

In partnership with Save the Massac, the city will renovate the Massac Theatre to become a multiuse facility for the community, giving it new purpose while preserving its historical and cultural 

significance to the area.

City of Winnsboro, LA: DRA Investment: $20,000 | Total Investment: $111,090

In partnership with The Delta Initiative, the city will redevelop three acres of land adjacent to the 

parish high school and neighboring houses to construct a community greenhouse and garden, 

engaging local youth in the art of food production and preparation, soft skills and mentoring, and

job training.

PROJECTS: 16

DRA Investment: 

$309,000

Public/Private Investment: 

$1,287,511

INVESTMENTS
66

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

“We want to thank DRA and EDA for generously funding and working alongside to staff this program. Together we have 

presented more than 50 individual courses for local leaders to more than 1,000 people. One of IEDC’s priorities is to continue to find ways to help educate people on the system of economic development in order to promote a better understanding of 

this important aspect of community leadership.” -IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle
67

Effective local leadership is critical to economic development, 

disaster resiliency, and economic recovery activities in Delta 

communities. 

Recognizing this, DRA partnered with the International 

Economic Development Council (IEDC) and U.S. Economic 

Development Administration to host workshops across all eight 

states to train local elected officials and community leaders 

in best practices and proven strategies that will help their 

communities survive, recover, and thrive. 

In 2017, DRA hosted a total of 17 two-day workshops across 

the Delta region to help local elected officials, community 

leaders, and economic development practitioners grow in their 

understanding of basic and advanced community development 

principles and disaster recovery strategies.

Local elected officials, 

economic development 

practitioners, and other 

community leaders attended 

ECRC workshops in 2017.

Empowering Delta Leadership

Leading Economically Competitive & Resilient Communities

462
68

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

“Participating in Local Foods, Local Places was instrumental in getting our community’s ideas from concept to paper. 

The LFLP technical assistance pushed our implementation efforts to the next level, and the DRA funding has allowed us to 

accomplish segments of our broad vision for a healthier, more economically viable community.”

 -Dr. Jennifer L. Conner, LFLP Steering Committe Chair, Lake Village, Arkansas
69

Local Foods, Local Places

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

As a part of the Local Foods, Local 

Places initiative, DRA works with five 

federal partners – the USDA, EPA, 

DOT, CDC, and ARC – to support 

communities in strengthening their 

local food systems, improving access 

to healthy food and connecting local 

farmers and entrepreneurs to economic 

opportunities, while simultaneously 

supporting main street and downtown 

revitalization efforts. In 2017, three Delta 

communities were selected to participate 

in the LFLP initiative and each received a 

$25,000 implementation grant from DRA 

to support their respective projects. 

2017 LFLP Communities in the Delta Region

 Hopkinsville, KY: Christian County-Hopkins- 

 ville Development Corporation (CC-HDC) 

plans to expand its downtown farmers market using new 

partnerships to train more vendors in marketing and other 

business-related activities. CC-HDC will build on efforts to 

reuse abandoned properties, support property maintenance, 

and restore downtown parks to bring more people downtown, 

offer additional healthy food options, and create new spaces for 

people to eat and socialize.

 Tallulah, LA: The Louisiana State University 

 Agricultural Center will connect ongoing community 

efforts around physical fitness, access to healthy food, and downtown revitalization.

 Humboldt, TN: The Humboldt Chamber of 

 Commerce plans to create a food-based business incubator in downtown, enabling entrepreneurs to rent kitchen space 

and access business consultation services.
70

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

“I will continue working alongside the Delta Regional Authority to ensure Illinois’ communities have access to the critical federal 

resources they need to thrive.” 

-U.S. Senator Dick Durbin , Illinois
71

Federal Partnerships

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships

Brownfields Federal Network

The Brownfields Federal Network is composed of representatives from federal 

agencies who work on programs and issues related to brownfields cleanup, 

redevelopment, and economic development in distressed communities 

throughout the United States. Since March 2017, DRA has been actively engaged 

with the Network to better assist communities throughout the Mississippi River 

Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions with identifying potential projects and 

applying for federal funding assistance through the Environmental Protection 

Agency’s Brownfields program. 

Broadband Interagency Working Group

In 2017, DRA became a member of the Broadband Interagency Working 

Group to collaborate with other federal agencies seeking to improve coordination across federal programs, promote awareness of the importance of 

federal support for broadband investment and digital inclusion programs, 

and collect and share information with communities about available federal 

resources for broadband deployment and digital inclusion efforts.
72

Ensuring Transparent & Effective Government
73

DRA’s Division of Monitoring and Compliance 

provides thorough and objective evaluations 

of agency investments and region-wide 

initiatives, including SEDAP and the Delta 

Doctors program.

The division provides leadership and 

coordination; recommends policies to prevent 

and detect fraud and abuse; and promotes 

efficiency and effectiveness for DRA programs, 

investments, and general operations. 

Monitoring and Compliance also ensures 

the Federal Co-Chairman, and subsequently 

Congress, are fully informed about any 

problems or deficiencies with agency activities.

Project Monitoring & Compliance

Transparent & Effective Government

The projected visitation goal for FY 2017 was to conduct site visits for at least 25% of active 

investments. DRA exceeded this benchmark with 95 state project visits that found no major 

deficiencies. Four ethics trainings were also conducted over the course of the year.
74

Administration & Operations
75

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. 

Accountability & Operational Excellence

Administration & Operations

Delta Regional Authority Offices

Regional Headquarters

236 Sharkey Avenue, Suite 400

Clarksdale, MS 38614 

(662) 624-8600

444 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 365

Washington, DC 20001

(202) 434-4870
76

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

ALABAMA 2017 INVESTMENTS:

Camden, AL: Bridgeport Park Improvements for Recreational Tourism

DRA Investment: $200,000 | Total Investment: $400,000

The City of Camden will construct new facilities and accommodations at Bridgeport Park to capitalize on the 

local area’s growing recreational tourism needs and provide existing residents with improved facilities to experience these activities.

Camden, AL: Transportation Services Supporting Workforce Development 

DRA Investment: $29,328 | Total Investment: $146,640

The Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission will expand its Jobs Access and Reverse Commute program in 

four counties to provide transportation services to underserved individuals seeking to obtain and maintain employment.

Carrollton, AL: Wastewater Treatment Upgrades

DRA Investment: $180,000 | Total Investment: $180,000

The Town of Carrollton will reconstruct its wastewater treatment plant to provide sanitary sewer services to all 

businesses, residents, and public facilities located in the local area. 
77

Gordo, AL: Wastewater Treatment Improvements

DRA Investment: $136,695 | Total Investment: $160,817

This investment increases the efficiency of the town’s entire sewer system. The system has been experiencing 

discharge problems and a complete upgrade is needed to prevent a failure that would disrupt businesses and the 

quality of life for 1,750 local residents.

Monroeville, AL: Industrial Building Renovation

DRA Investment: $256,500 | Total Investment: $2,256,500

The City of Monroeville will renovate a 60,000 square foot industrial building to be leased by a Canada-based 

manufacturing supplier, establishing a new production facility and creating 60 new jobs in the area. 

Perry County, AL: Transportation Infrastructure Improvements 

DRA Investment: $42,000 | Total Investment: $2,202,000

The Perry County Commission will reconstruct a 9-mile roadway to improve the transportation infrastructure in 

the community and provide residents and businesses with improved commuter access and safe, reliable roads.

Selma, AL: Downtown Revitalization 

DRA Investment: $58,424 | Total Investment: $133,424

The ArtsRevive Community Development Corporation will complete the final phase of construction for the Carneal Cultural Arts Center supporting the development of the city’s Arts and Culture District and enhancing the 

quality of place for residents and tourists alike. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
78

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

ALABAMA 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Selma, AL: Provide High-Speed Wi-Fi Network

DRA Investment: $75,000 | Total: $75,000

This investment will support business development in downtown Selma with construction of a high-speed Wi-Fi 

network in downtown Selma. DRA’s investment will lead to installation of a no-cost Wi-Fi network to help transform downtown Selma and provide high-speed internet access to dozens of buildings, area residents and tourists 

visiting the city’s historic sites. 

Thomasville, AL: Career Readiness Center

DRA Investment: $1,266,500 | Total Investment: $2,045,120

A modern career readiness facility in downtown Thomasville will help train workers across southwest Alabama 

and will strategically align learning, education, and job training in one location. The investment will help triple 

the number of computers available for training and will provide easier access to job listings, job skills training, 

and resume help. 

Tuskegee, AL: Transportation Improvements Supporting Commercial Development 

DRA Investment: $280,000 | Total Investment: $1,800,000

The City of Tuskegee will make road improvements to an exit ramp to serve new commercial development along 

Highway 81 at Interstate 85 in Macon County, providing new employment opportunities for residents and a 

sustainable tax base for the city and county governments. 
79

Tuskegee, AL: Transportation Improvements Supporting Commercial Development 

DRA Investment: $280,000 | Total Investment: $1,800,000

The City of Tuskegee will make road improvements to an exit ramp to serve new commercial development along 

Highway 81 at Interstate 85 in Macon County, providing new employment opportunities for residents and a 

sustainable tax base for the city and county governments. 

ARKANSAS 2017 INVESTMENTS:

Banks, AR: Sewer System Improvements

DRA Investment: $52,500 | Total Investment: $52,500

This provides emergency funding for sewer repair to protect 80 residents from unsanitary conditions. New pumps 

and tanks will be installed to prevent raw sewage from backing up into homes.

Eudora, AR: Rail Spur Installation for Business Expansion

DRA Investment: $150,000 | Total Investment: $174,000

The Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District will complete the installation of a rail spur to accommodate the expanded business operations of Big River Rice & Grain, producing supply-chain efficiencies and 

increased traffic in ports along the Mississippi River. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
80

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

ARKANSAS 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Forrest City, AR: Industrial Park Transportation Improvements

DRA Investment: $225,000 | Total Investment: $2,225,000

St. Francis County will construct a rail spur and enhance the road network through Forrest City’s industrial 

park. These improvements will alleviate traffic congestion and support business expansion and job creation for a 

local distribution facility and textile mill.

Helena, AR: Water Service Improvements for Business Expansion 

DRA Investment: $257,110 | Total Investment: $5,204,610

The Phillips County Port Authority will construct a 500,000-gallon water tower at Helena Harbor to support the 

retention and expansion of nearby manufacturing companies and improve water services for local consumers. 

 

Imboden, AR: Disaster Training Facility to Support Mitigation and Recovery

DRA Investment: $150,000 | Total Investment: $6,932,675

Arkansas State University-Jonesboro will collaborate with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, 

the City of Imboden, Lawrence County and local and regional businesses to construct the Arkansas Disaster 

Training Facility designed to strengthen regional infrastructure, increase workforce competitiveness, and expand 

community capacity in disaster preparation, mitigation, response and recovery.
81

Newport, AR: Levee Pump Replacement Supporting Flood Control

DRA Investment: $200,000 | Total Investment: $240,000

The City of Newport will install a new levee pump providing essential flood control measures for local businesses 

and nearly 525 households located on the north side of the city. 

Pine Bluff, AR: Infrastructure Improvements Supporting Downtown Revitalization

DRA Investment: $1,350,000 | Total Investment: $4,345,000

The City of Pine Bluff will install new and improved water, wastewater, and utility infrastructure needed to support the redevelopment of their Central Business District and nearby neighborhoods providing greater opportunities for business retention and expansion, entrepreneurial activity, and a better quality of life for local residents.

Trumann, AR: Industrial Building Rehabilitation for Business Expansion

DRA Investment: $225,000 | Total Investment: $513,383

The Trumann Industrial Development Commission will make infrastructure improvements to an existing industrial building for a manufacturing company to relocate, expand and create jobs in the city of Trumann. 

Wynne, AR: Manufacturing Facility Improvements Supporting Business Expansion

DRA Investment: $225,000 | Total Investment: $8,750,000

The Wynne Cross County Chamber will help a local manufacturing company produce supply-chain efficiencies 

by installing in-house processing, packaging, storage and distribution mechanisms and providing new and existing employees with the job training needed for the expanded business operations. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
82

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

ILLINOIS 2017 INVESTMENTS:

Benton, IL: Hospital Technology and Equipment Upgrades

DRA Investment: $140,404 | Total Investment: $156,305

The Franklin Hospital District will modernize its imaging department by replacing the current analog breast imaging system with digital capabilities, an upgrade that is necessary to meet federal, state and American College of 

Radiology certifications for continued operation and service. 

Benton, IL: Water Distribution System Expansion

DRA Investment: $515,000 | Total Investment: $5,460,794

The Rend Lake Conservancy District will construct a second water discharge pipe to provide sanitary water services to approximately 170,000 people living in 5 counties covering more than 2,000 square miles across southern 

Illinois. 

Brookport, IL:Flood Protection/Levee Pipe Replacement

DRA Investment: $359,000 | Total Investment: $409,000

This investment repairs a deteriorating levee system to protect area residents, businesses and city operations that 

are exposed to potential disastrous flooding. 251 families and the area’s population of 984 will benefit from the 

improvements, which also will help retain 20 jobs.
83

Cairo, IL: Digital Infrastructure Supporting Telemedicine and Medical Recordkeeping

DRA Investment: $118,489 | Total Investment: $130,989

Community Health and Emergency Services, Inc. will upgrade its digital infrastructure to support telemedicine 

capabilities and provide patients with easier access to medical records, health and wellness education, and appointment operating systems. These upgrades will benefit residents in nearly half of the DRA counties in southern 

Illinois.

Cairo, IL: Roadway Improvements for Industrial Facilities 

DRA Investment: $161,560 | Total Investment: $178,860

The City of Cairo will reconstruct an access roadway for the largest industrial employer in the local area to 

alleviate the safety and liability issues for employees, distributors and city residents. These road improvements 

will also provide the city’s water supplier with better access to their wastewater treatment facility and spur more 

business development in the local and regional area.

Carbondale, IL: Medical Equipment Upgrades for Job Training and Education 

DRA Investment: $113,218 | Total Investment: $15,231,457

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine will collaborate with Southern Illinois Healthcare to provide elite 

job training and educational instruction to students in the Family Residency and Physician’s Assistant Training 

Center that is being constructed in southern Illinois. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
84

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

ILLINOIS 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Eldorado, IL: Water and Sewer Infrastructure Improvements for Hospital Expansion

DRA Investment: $206,000 | Total Investment: $524,917

The City of Eldorado will relocate and make improvements to existing water and sewer systems to support the 

proposed expansion and modernization of Ferrell Hospital and provide sanitary water and sewer services to 

nearly 450 households in the local area. 

Goreville, IL: Roadway Improvements for Business Expansion

DRA Investment: $105,000 | Total Investment: $1,000,000

The Village of Goreville will reconstruct East Gore Street to support higher traffic volumes from the expanded 

operations of a local construction company and lumber yard. 

KENTUCKY 2017 INVESTMENTS:

Cadiz, KY: Trigg County Hospital Expansion

DRA Investment: $155,550 | Total Investment: $455,550

This critical access hospital will expand to add four new private patient rooms to be utilized as swing-bed rooms 

for patients to recover in a hospital setting, rather than a nursing home or returning too soon to home care. This 

increases the hospital’s capacity to provide quality healthcare to its 13,659 residents and surrounding counties.
85

Greenville, KY: Ag Center Lift Station Upgrade

DRA Investment: $400,000 | Total Investment: $450,000

The City of Greenville will upgrade the lift station with an electrical upgrade, a generator, new electrical components, new larger pumps, and new pump rails. The upgrade will expand the capacity of the lift station to service 

its current customers of 13 businesses and 3,500 residents and accommodate a future health clinic.

Henderson, KY: South Wastewater Treatment Plant (SWWTP) Improvements

DRA Investment: $281,133 | Total Investment: $2,311,133

SWWTP will install a concrete bottom, repairs to diffusers, and an efficient liner system to three of the plant’s six 

basins, bringing one basin back to operational capacity and avoiding shutdown of two other basins. This plant 

serves major industries in Henderson and two neighboring communities of nearly 2,000 residents

Hickman, KY: Wastewater Treatment Rehab, Phase II

DRA Investment: $400,000 | Total Investment: $1,600,000

Phase II of this project will add to the City of Hickman’s wastewater treatment plan new external clarifiers to 

improve settling and solids removal and a new return and waste activated sludge pumping system for proper 

operator control of the system solids. This will help meet state and federal environmental standards.

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
86

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

KENTUCKY 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Madisonville, KY: Equipment for Lineman Training Program

DRA Investment: $180,629 | Total Investment: $313,676

Madisonville Community College will purchase equipment for and develop a lineman training program to train 

60-75 linemen each year and meet the future employment and training needs of utility companies and contractors in western Kentucky. The training program will particularly target displaced coal miners and high school 

graduates.

Paducah, KY: Riverport Cargo Yard Improvements

DRA Investment: $307,000 | Total Investment: $427,000

The Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority will repave the cargo yard enabling the facility to support 

increased truck traffic and container-on-barge operations, while ensuring safe transit for its expanding customer 

base and new industry. 
87

LOUISIANA 2017 INVESTMENTS:

Arnaudville, LA: Infrastructure Improvements to NUNUConference and Education Center

Investment: $69,668 | Total Investment: $79,668

This investment will extend the city’s sewer system to support the NUNU Conference and Education Center. 

Access to this critical infrastructure will improve the sustainability of NUNU by increasing community access to 

available spaces that could generate rental income to ensure the long-term viability of its programs.

Baldwin, LA: Water System Improvements

DRA Investment: $236,300 | Total Investment: $236,300

This investment will make major improvements to the town’s water treatment system to deliver safe and clean 

drinking water to its residents. This investment includes $103,634 from SEDAP funds and another $132,666 

from the CIF program.

Baton Rouge, LA: Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Expansion

DRA Investment: $250,000 | Total Investment: $250,000

The Louisiana Workforce Commission will expand the JAG program in Louisiana from 69 programs to 101. The 

program promotes collaboration between school districts, colleges and local businesses to provide career courses 

and workplace experiences to high school students.

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
88

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

LOUISIANA 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Baton Rouge, LA: Minority Entrepreneurship Education Program

DRA Investment: $52,500 | Total Investment: $103,378

Research Park Corporation will help deliver entrepreneurial education to students at Historically Black Colleges 

and Universities (HBCUs) in Louisiana, including a software platform, formal mentor network of business and 

tech professionals, and creation of tech-based business projects.

Colfax, LA: Information Systems Technology Upgrade

DRA Investment: $154,786 | Total Investment: $240,908

The Grant Parish Assessor’s Office will update its information systems technology to help strengthen the 

economic climate through enhancing the profitability and productivity of local industries and small businesses.

Convent, LA: Wastewater Treatment System Expansion

DRA Investment: $100,000 | Total Investment: $167,074

DRA’s CIF investment will support construction of a chlorination building at the West Bank Water Treatment 

Plant to expand the capacity of the water treatment and distribution system in St. James Parish, linking the East 

and West Bank water treatment plants and distribution systems.
89

Cotton Valley, LA: Wastewater Treatment Improvements

DRA Investment: $33,866 | Total Investment: $33,866

This investment will address mechanical failures to key components that allow for the proper and effective 

treatment of wastewater, reducing risks to public health and safety.

Delta, LA: Sewer Rehabilitation

DRA Investment: $98,700 | Total Investment: $98,700

This project will prevent unsanitary sewage from backing up into homes. Current conditions cause health 

problems for residents and are out of compliance with state regulations.

DeRidder, LA: Workforce Training and Development

DRA Investment: $52,500 | Total Investment: $55,640

DRA’s investment will support the Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to become a Work Ready 

Community and provide a sustainable regional workforce in the area.

Franklin, LA: Building Renovation to Increase Health Services

DRA Investment: $200,000 | Total Investment: $1,200,000. 

DRA funds will be used to renovate a building that will be used to expand and provide additional health care 

services in the Pierre Part area of Assumption Parish.

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
90

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

LOUISIANA 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Franklin, LA: Road Improvements to Support Business Growth

DRA Investment: $155,500 | Total Investment: $410,735

This infrastructure project will raise the road by two feet, allowing year-round access to a local salt mine that 

employs 150 locals. These road improvements will also allow area farmers to access their land during the critical 

planting season.

Grosse Tête, LA: Sewer Improvements

DRA Investment: $50,411 | Total Investment: $99,416

This project will provide the village’s 647 residents with upgraded sewer service and will reduce the risk of sewer 

backups for homes and businesses.

Jena, LA: Water System Improvements

DRA Investment: $307,000 | Total Investment: $307,000

This project is funded through DRA’s CIF program and will resolve emergency conditions to deliver safe and 

clean drinking water to more than 1,000 residents and businesses on the Nebo Water System. 
91

Maurice, LA: Water System Improvements

DRA Investment: $256,500 | Total Investment: $4,101,500

This CIF project will improve the water distribution system and water treatment system to accommodate the 

rapid rate of growth that is occurring in the area and enhance opportunities for business expansion.

Napoleonville, LA: Equipment for Disaster Debris Removal

DRA Investment: $115,100 | Total Investment: $115,100

Assumption Parish will use DRA funds to purchase an air curtain burner to dispose of vegetative debris 

following severe storm events. The air burners will provide a more sustainable and environmentally safe and fast 

method to remove the debris. 

New Orleans, LA: Fiber Network Infrastructure Upgrade

DRA Investment: $266,555. Total Investment: $586,555

The City of New Orleans will build an institutional fiber network connecting its primary and secondary data 

centers at City Hall and Orleans Parish Communications District providing the necessary infrastructure to 

connect thirteen additional city sites along Interstate10.

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
92

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

LOUISIANA 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

New Orleans, LA: Fire Field Renovation for Industry Training

DRA Investment: $200,000 | Total Investment: $446,855

Delgado Community College Maritime, Fire, Radar & Industrial Training Facility will use DRA funds to better 

serve the maritime transportation, petroleum and petrochemical industries and meet new safety standards. The 

project will result in a completely renovated fire field to meet the future demands of those industries across the 

Delta.

Oak Grove, LA: Water System Upgrade 

DRA Investment: $105,000 | Total Investment: $160,000.

CIF program funding will provide new water mains to deliver clean and safe drinking water to Oak Grove High 

School, which serves 1,200 students.

Quitman, LA: Wastewater Treatment Improvements

DRA Investment: $206,000 | Total Investment: $938,521

This Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) project will close the wastewater lagoon and rock-reed filter and 

replace it with a package-treatment plant. This update to the treatment facility will benefit residents, businesses 

and a school with nearly 1,000 students, facility and staff.
93

Tallulah, LA: Emergency Water System Repair

DRA Investment: $150,000 | Total Investment: $400,000. 

This emergency project will assist in repairing the water system of Tallulah and help provide clean and safe 

drinking water for residents.

Tallulah, LA: Rail Spur Installation and Extension

DRA Investment: $200,000 | Total Investment: $349,920

The project will construct a new rail spur that will extend the existing spur at the Madison Parish Port Railroad. 

DRA’s investment will support a business expansion and help create 15 new jobs and retain more than 100 jobs. 

DRA’s investment includes $100,000 from SEDAP and another $100,000 from the CIF program.

Tensas Parish, LA: Airport Fuel Farm

DRA Investment: $170,000 | Total Investment: $188,625

This investment will provide infrastructure improvement that will assist existing and incoming businesses with 

creating two jobs and retaining four jobs through the expansion of the parish’s airport fuel farm. The new fuel 

farm will support further development of the Tensas Parish Port on the Mississippi River and will also provide 

much needed sales tax income for the parish.

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
94

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

LOUISIANA 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Waterproof, LA: Wastewater Treatment Improvements

DRA Investment: $58,928 | Total Investment: $58,928

This investment will support installation of an automatic gas chlorination system and three new aerators to 

disinfect discharge at the wastewater treatment plant. Improvements will enhance the quality of life for the 688 

residents of Waterproof, 400-500 residents of the Tensas Parish Detention Facility and for all residents effected by 

the Tensas River watershed.

MISSISSIPPI 2017 INVESTMENTS:

Cleveland, MS: Sewer Improvements

DRA Investment: $500,00 | Total Investment: $8,930,000

DRA will provide investments through its CIF program to support the city’s efforts to enhance sewer service for 

19,000 residents on the system.

Coldwater, MS: Wastewater Improvement Project

DRA Investment: $418,100 | Total Investment: $518,100

DRA is funding this project through its CIF program and will rehabilitate the sewer lagoon serving the Town of 

Coldwater
95

Grenada, MS: Emergency Sewer Replacement 

DRA Investment: $250,000 | Total Investment: $250,000

This CIF project will improve health and sanitation concerns for 1,200 residential customers and provide dependable sewer service to a manufacturing plant to help retain 1,100 jobs.

Hernando, MS: Construction of Workforce Training Center

DRA Investment: $307,000 | Total Investment: $4,307,000

DeSoto County will construct a new 20,000 square foot building, strategically located near the county’s Career 

and Technology Center, to accommodate the WIN Job Center and Northwest Mississippi Community College – 

Workforce Development services to establish a regional hub for job training and workforce services in northwest 

Mississippi.

Indianola, MS: B.B. King Museum Expansion

DRA Investment: $256,500 | Total Investment: $814,554

This expansion will add about 4,350 square feet of space to the B.B. King museum. It will house the vehicles, a 

tour bus and car that came to the museum following his death. These items highlight King’s success and increase 

economic development and tourism opportunities in the area.

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
96

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

MISSISSIPPI 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Inverness, MS: Fire and Emergency Facility

DRA Investment: $392,850 | Total Investment: $392,850

The town will use DRA funds to build its first fire station that will be shared space with the public works department. This project will separate the two so that they can both operate more efficiently and better serve the citizens of the town and surrounding area.

Leland, MS: Water System Improvements

DRA Investment: $300,000 | Total Investment: $1,482,859

DRA’s CIF program will fund installation of a new water well and an elevated water tank. The project also 

includes water distribution system improvements that will tie the new water system components to the existing 

system, and deliver safe drinking water to residents, support business growth and improve fire-fighting efforts.

Lyon, MS: Sewer Rehabilitation

DRA Investment: $53,760 | Total Investment: $58,880

The project will improve the sanitary sewer lines that serve 418 residential customers and prevent backups and 

blockages.
97

Moorhead, MS: Building Construction for Lineman Training

DRA Investment: $150,450 | Total Investment: $425,450

Mississippi Delta Community College will use DRA funds to add a new building that will include a classroom, 

four lab stations, restrooms and an office. This building will be the primary classroom facility for a lineman 

training workforce development initiative. The long-term outcome of this project will deliver a continuous supply 

of trained linemen available to step in and move up as aging linemen retire.

Natchez, MS: Protective Levee Construction

DRA Investment: $500,000 | Total Investment: $500,000

This CIF investment will support building a protective levee around a 100-acre section of county-owned land 

at its port to enhance industrial use and expansion. The expansion will allow Adams County to compete on a 

national level for industries that require river access.

North Carrollton, MS: Infrastructure Improvements

DRA Investment: $114,292 | Total Investment: $114,292

This investment will help North Carrollton enhance water pressure in its service area and improve health and 

sanitation for more than 500 residents as well as schools and businesses.

Rosedale, MS: Water Tank Improvements

DRA Investment: $32,865 | Total Investment: $32,865

This project will deliver safe and clean drinking water to residents and businesses.

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
98

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

MISSISSIPPI 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Ruleville, MS: Sewer Improvements

DRA Investment: $68,261 | Total Investment: $68,261

DRA funding will help the city protect the health of 3,000 residents by providing a sanitary sewer system.

Sumner, MS: Water System Improvements

DRA Investment: $450,000 | Total Investment: $630,000

This project is supported by DRA’s CIF program and will help complete a nearly comprehensive water-line 

replacement project in Sumner.

Vicksburg, MS: Infrastructure for Multi-Phase Project to Support Job Creation

DRA Investment: $545,000 | Total Investment: $5,679,621

This CIF project will construct a new parking area in downtown Vicksburg to help develop the Center of Innovation. The center will support workforce development, business entrepreneurship, higher education, state technology transfer, and tourism.

Winona, MS: Infrastructure Improvements

DRA Investment: $78,981 | Total Investment: $78,981

DRA funding will be used to repair creek crossings and install new water lines that will prevent service 

disruptions and outages for residents and businesses.
99

MISSOURI 2017 INVESTMENTS:

Cape Girardeau, MO: Computer Programming Training Expansion

DRA Investment: $110,555 | Total Investment: $221,110

The Marquette Tech District Foundation Inc. will extend its training program to workforce development agencies, start-up incubators, and colleges or universities across the Delta region. The program’s mission is to provide 

opportunities for underserved individuals in rural southeast Missouri communities to transition to high-wage, 

computer programming jobs.

Cape Girardeau, MO: Equipment for Career and Technology Center 

DRA Investment: $155,500 | Total Investment: $797,624

The Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center will upgrade and fund the tools, trainers and technology 

necessary to train high school and adult students in its HVAC/R technology, machine tool technology, electrical 

trades and computer networking programs. This programming will also be available to area employers for customized training.

Neelyville, MO: Wastewater Treatment Repair

DRA Investment: $206,00 | Total Investment: $1,515,006

The City of Neelyville will repair and replace its 30-year-old wastewater collection and treatment system to 

protect the city’s 483 residents from raw sewage. In July, DRA provided nearly $5,900 in emergency funding to 

protect residents who were at risk for exposure to raw sewage. 

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
100

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

MISSOURI 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Piedmont, MO: Waterline Replacement for Highway 49 Industrial Park

DRA Investment: $144,615 | Total Investment: $722,720

This DRA investment will replace 5,500 linear feet of failing water main that delivers water to the industrial 

park, which serves several businesses with about 200 employees. Reductions in water pressure today often force 

businesses to shut down temporarily or reduce their staffing levels until the water line is repaired.

Scott City, MO: Regional Port Rail Expansion

DRA Investment: $1,600,000 | Total Investment: $2,296,750

SEMO Regional Port Authority will construct 4,200 feet of railroad to increase its capacity to hold a second train 

making operations more efficient for new and existing consumers. 

Sikeston, MO: Hospital Wing Expansion for Gero-Psychiatric Services

DRA Investment: $218,698 | Total Investment: $2,418,698

Missouri Delta Medical Center will add an in-patient adolescent psychiatric program to its scope of services by 

renovating an existing wing. The addition will create a minimum of 25 new jobs, provide 15 patient beds 

designed to accommodate psychiatric patients 13-17 years of age, and house support areas for the safety of 

patients and staff.
101

TENNESSEE 2017 INVESTMENTS:

Bells, TN: Bells Theater Renovation into Workforce Training Center

DRA Investment: $200,000 | Total Investment: $880,000

Crockett County will renovate the interior of the downtown Bells Theater to provide a more suitable environment for workforce training and community events. It will be the only workforce training center in Crockett 

County and is projected to permit the training of 350-500 workers per year.

Jackson, TN: Robotics Training Center

DRA Investment: $150,000 | Total Investment: $174,000

Jackson State Community College will use DRA funding to create a robotics training center with the purchase of 

3 FENCLRDD LR Mate 200iD/4S Robots with educational tooling packages and instructor training as required 

by the FANUC America Corporation Certified Education Training Program. This will help develop a workforce 

in Southwest Tennessee trained to work in jobs related to robotics and automation.

Memphis, TN: Boilermakers and Welding Institute Equipment Upgrade

DRA Investment: $200,000 | Total Investment: $390,000

The Boilermakers and Welding Institute will purchase state-of-the-art equipment, software, tools, and supplies to 

train craftsmen with the latest advanced technology, offer national credentials, and provide career placement for 

the growing demand for skilled craftsmen.

State Investments

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries
102

APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

TENNESSEE 2017 INVESTMENTS (cont.):

Memphis, TN: Investment in Entrepreneurial Growth and Start-Up Ecosystem

DRA Investment: $113,168 | Total Investment: $1,070,500

StartCo., a venture development organization and accelerator in Memphis, will expand its services for pre-revenue startup support and post-revenue business support, while cultivating resources and partners to accelerate job 

creation and new revenue for high-growth entrepreneurial companies in the Mid-South. 

Moscow, TN: Water Treatment Plant Improvements

DRA Investment: $200,000 | Total Investment: $252,300

The City of Moscow will upgrade the city’s water treatment plant to comply with the Tennessee Department of 

Environment & Conservation’s design criteria for a water treatment plant’s physical space and replace the two 

existing high service pumps and the master meter. 

Piperton, TN: Sewer System Extension

DRA Investment: $200,000 | Total Investment: $19,154,517

DRA’s investment will support extension of sanitary sewer service to Piperton’s west side to accommodate a new 

industrial development by extending 1,800 feet of gravity sewer line and associated manholes to connect the site 

with a proposed sewer pump station and force main.
103 APPENDIX A: Project Summaries

Selmer, TN: Manufacturing Facility Expansion

DRA Investment: $800,000 | Total Investment: $10,110,052

McNairy County Economic Development will construct a new 120,000 square foot facility to support the expansion of an existing manufacturing company adding a new product line and creating 140 new jobs in the local 

area. 

Toone, TN: Road Widening for Business Expansion

DRA Investment: $750,000 | Total Investment: $62,750,000

DRA’s CIF program will support the widening of Kilgore Road to allow for proper and safe access to support a 

local business seeking to expand. The business expansion would retain 200 jobs and create 50 new jobs.

Union City, TN: Regional Industrial Center Water Line Extension

DRA Investment: $300,000 | Total Investment: $30,300,000

A water line extension will provide water pressure adequate enough for fire suppression and allow proper cleaning of food processing machines for a business that is planning an expansion in the Northwest Tennessee Regional Industrial Center. This investment will create more than 200 jobs for residents in Obion, Lake and Weakley 

counties.

State Investments
104

APPENDIX B: 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, 

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

White, Woodruff
105 APPENDIX B: DRA Counties/Parishes

DRA Counties & Parishes

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, 

Vermilion, Washington, Webster, West Baton 

Rouge, West Carroll, West Feliciana, Winn

Mississippi:

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

Claiborne, Coahoma, Copiah, Covington, De Soto, 

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
106

APPENDIX B: DRA Counties & Parishes

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, Ste. Genevieve, 

St. Francois, Scott, Shannon, 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
107 APPENDIX B: DRA Counties/Parishes

Distressed & Non-Distressed Counties & Parishes

Distressed and Non-Distressed Counties and Parishes for FY 2017

Determination of a 

Distressed County/Parish: 

Unemployment rate of one percent higher (6.2 percent) than the national average 

(5.2 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.
108

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