BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

FISCAL YEAR 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Federal Co-Chair

About the Delta Regional Authority

Section I: Budget

FY 2023 Budget Justification

Section II: DRA Critical Infrastructure Programs

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

FY 2022 Distressed Counties and Parishes Map

FY 2022 State Allocation Formula

Community Infrastructure Fund

Public Works and Economic Development Assistance

Local Development Districts

DRA Investments Map

Section III: DRA Human Infrastructure Programs

Interagency Partnerships & Initiatives

Rural Community Advancement Program

Delta Leadership Institute

Delta Small Business Academy

Delta Summit

Appendix

Regional Development Plan III

DRA Strategic Goals

DRA Service Area
March 28, 2022

LETTER FROM THE FEDERAL CO-CHAIR

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

attached budget justification for Fiscal Year 2023.

The 2023 Budget requests $30.1 million to support the grant-making activities and operations of 

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

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

physical and human infrastructure.

Over the next six months, DRA will be assessing its internal operations to design and implement 

a strategic plan that will inform administrative and programmatic activities moving forward. In 

FY 2023, DRA will be adequately staffed and more prepared to meet the needs of its constituents 

through grant-making, technical assistance, and capacity-building activities. As demonstrated in 

the FY 2023 Budget, more than 90% of the funds will be allocated to DRA’s States’ Economic 

Development Assistance Program and Community Infrastructure Fund to make available grants 

to eligible entities throughout the Mississippi River Delta Region. The Authority will leverage its 

FY 2023 Budget with supplemental appropriations, such as the $150 million in the Bipartisan 

Infrastructure Law, and interagency partnership programs, such as the $45 million Workforce 

Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative, to expand DRA’s reach into the distressed, rural, 

and historically marginalized communities we are called to serve. 

I look forward to carrying out DRA’s mission through the funds provided in the FY 2023 

Budget, by deploying these resources efficiently and effectively with an emphasis on 

quantifiable outcomes.

Sincerely,

Dr. Corey Wiggins

Federal Co-Chair
ABOUT THE DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY

The Delta Regional Authority (the Authority or DRA) is a federal-state partnership serving 252

counties and parishes in an eight-state region. Led by a Federal Co-Chair and the Governors

of each participating state, DRA is designed to remedy severe and chronic economic distress by

stimulating economic development and fostering partnerships that have a positive impact on the

region's economy. DRA helps economically distressed communities capitalize on other federal

and state programs focused on basic infrastructure development, transportation improvements,

business development, and job training services.
Section I: Budget
FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION

Introduction

This narrative serves as justification for the Delta Regional Authority’s FY 2023 Budget. DRA’s eight 

member states (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee) pay 

for 50% of DRA’s administrative budget, less the expenses of the Office of the Federal Co-Chair (100% 

Federal), through their annual state assessments. This budget justification presents the full budget, 

including Federal appropriations and state assessments. 

Source and Uses of Appropriations

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

presentation of its expenditures as follows:

● FY 2021 Enacted Budget

● FY 2022 Annualized Continuing Resolution Budget (Note: The Budget and this Congressional 

Justification were developed prior to the passage of the FY 2022 Omnibus; as such, the Budget 

assumes an annualized CR level for the 2022 column)

● FY 2023 Budget Request

Format and Content

DRA’s administrative budget is presented in three sections:

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

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

3. Administration: administrative expenses shown by classification.
FY 2023 Budget Summary

Delta Regional Authority | FY 2023 Budget Summary

FY 2021 Enacted FY 2022 

Annualized 

Continuing 

Resolution

FY 2023 Budget Change

Source

Federal 

Appropriations

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

Total Federal 

Appropriations

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

Uses

States’ Economic 

Development 

Assistance 

Program

$12,731,105 $12,720,693 $12,172,605 ($548,089)

Community 

Infrastructure 

Fund

$15,000,000 $15,000,000 $15,000,000 $ -

Local 

Development 

Districts

$554,000 $554,000 $554,000 $ -

Administration $1,714,895 $1,725,307 $2,373,396 $648,089

Total Federal 

Appropriations

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

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

provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) nor indirect 

appropriations provided by interagency partnership programs.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Spend Plan Summary

DRA’s proposed spend plan increases the funding availability for three existing grant programs, including 

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

incorporates capacity-building initiatives such as an LDD Pilot Program, Strategic Planning Grants, and 

Research & Data Analytics. Finally, DRA proposes to use two percent of BIL funds for administrative 

expenses. DRA’s proposed BIL spend plan is subject to change to reflect priorities of the new 

administration.

Delta Regional Authority | FY 2023 Budget Summary

FY 2021 

Enacted

FY 2022 BIL 

Budget

FY 2023 BIL 

Budget Change

Source

Federal Appropriations $ - $31,800,000 $31,800,000 $100,000

Total Federal Appropriations $ - $31,800,000 $31,800,000 $100,000

Uses

States’ Economic Development 

Assistance Program

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

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

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

Local Development Districts $ - $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $ -

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

Research & Data Analytics $ - $600,000 $600,000 $ -

Administration $ - $700,000 $700,000 $ -

Total Federal Appropriations $ - $31,800,000 $31,800,000 $ -

Note: This table includes information on resources provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) / 

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and only reflects a proposed spend plan which is subject to 

change. DRA’s proposed spend plan was developed over a five-year time span to obligate the $150 

million provided in the BIL.
Administration

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

programs and initiatives are presented below.

Office of the Federal Co-Chair

The Office of the Federal Co-Chair consists of two presidentially-appointed positions: the Federal CoChair (PAS) and Alternate Federal Co-Chair (PA). Additionally, the Office includes executive staff under 

the Federal Co-Chair: the General Counsel and Executive Assistant.

FY 2023 Budget: Office of the Federal Co-Chair

Salaries $514,746.00

Fringe Benefits (30%) $154,423.80

Travel $90,000.00

Professional Services/Contractual $55,000.00

Meetings & Events $5,000.00

Equipment $10,000.00

Supplies $17,500.00

Total $846,669.80

The Authority

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

FY 2023 Budget: The Authority

Salaries $1,119,534.89

Fringe Benefits (30%) $335,860.47

Travel $202,500.00

Professional Services/Contractual $377,500.00

Leases/Furnishings $74,000.00

Telecommunications/Utilities $12,000.00

Meetings & Events $130,000.00

Equipment $30,000.00

Supplies $30,000.00
Communications $50,000.00

Professional Development $12,000.00

Total $2,373,395.36

Salaries

Salaries consist of payroll for 16 non-Federal positions.

Fringe Benefits

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

salary-related expenditures as follows:

● Social Security (FICA) - 6.2% of salaries up to $127,200;

● Medicare - 1.45% of salaries (no maximum);

● State Unemployment Tax (SUTA) - 3.06% of the first $12,000 of salary per employee;

● Non-elective retirement - 11.7% of total salary; and

● Elective retirement (401k) - 3.2% of employees’ voluntary contribution (maximum employer 

match of 5%).

Travel

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

fees, etc., consisting primarily of trips to small rural towns, communities, and counties/parishes without 

access to major modes of public transportation (i.e. air/rail) throughout 200,000 square miles, 252 

counties/parishes, and more than 500 cities/towns in the eight-state region. DRA’s service area presents 

logistical challenges that often necessitates multiple modes of travel (i.e. air and vehicle travel).

Professional Services/Contractual

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

otherwise unavailable to be provided by DRA staff.

Leases/Furnishings

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

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

Telecommunications/Utilities

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

Meetings & Events

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

meeting or event.

Equipment

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

Supplies

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

Communications

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

community outreach, and related software. 
Professional Development

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

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

leadership training.
Section II: 

Critical Infrastructure 

Programs
STATES’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

FY 2023 Budget: $12,172,605

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

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

than $4.2 billion in other public and private sector dollars. SEDAP investments are subject to Federal 

Priority Eligibility Criteria and must help improve the following in Delta communities:

● Basic Public Infrastructure

● Transportation Infrastructure

● Workforce Training and Education

● Business Development and Entrepreneurship

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

infrastructure.

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

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include state and local government (including state agencies, cities, and 

counties/parishes), other public bodies, and nonprofit organizations.

Application and Selection Process

Applications are submitted through an online portal and reviewed by Local Development Districts (LDD) 

to ensure eligibility and completeness. Once the LDDs formally submit the final applications through the 

portal DRA staff review each application in its entirety to determine eligibility, tier status, and follow up 

questions (as needed to request project-relevant documentation). The Board of Governors, through their 

Designees and Alternates, are provided a list of eligible projects with pertinent information to make 

project selections. Once the Federal Co-Chair and Governors concur on the project selections for each 

state, a formal vote is requested to approve the projects then a grant agreement, notice to proceed letter,

and grant manual is provided to the grantees shortly thereafter.

State Allocations

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

allocated a specific amount of funding in accordance with DRA’s state allocation formula. For FY 2022, 

the State Allocations are shown below.

FY 2022 State Allocations*

State Allocation ($) Allocation (%)

Alabama $1,411,144.05 10.13%

Arkansas $1,967,906.76 14.13%

Illinois $1,078,105.66 7.74%

Kentucky $1,252,566.38 8.99%

Louisiana $3,011,985.93 21.62%
Mississippi $2,101,938.97 15.09%

Missouri $1,601,766.78 11.50%

Tennessee $1,505,194.45 10.80%

DRA Region $13,930,599.00 100.00%

In FY 2023, the State Allocations will be calculated using the pre-approved formula, as demonstrated 

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

Grant Range

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

range between $100,000 and $450,000.
FY 2022 DISTRESSED COUNTIES AND PARISHES MAP

DRA statute requires the Authority to update distressed county/parish designations annually. 
FY 2022 STATE ALLOCATION FORMULA

Since its inception, DRA has used the state allocation formula (below) to calculate each state’s SEDAP 

allocation and assessment on an annual basis.

Factor Percentage

Equity (divided equally among eight states) 50%

Population (DRA counties / parishes only) 10%

Distressed Population (DRA counties / parishes only) 20%

Distressed County Area (DRA counties / parishes only) 20%

The FY 2022 State Allocation Formula is shown below.

FY 2022 State Allocations*

State Allocation ($) Allocation (%)

Alabama $1,411,144.05 10.13%

Arkansas $1,967,906.76 14.13%

Illinois $1,078,105.66 7.74%

Kentucky $1,252,566.38 8.99%

Louisiana $3,011,985.93 21.62%

Mississippi $2,101,938.97 15.09%

Missouri $1,601,766.78 11.50%

Tennessee $1,505,194.45 10.80%

DRA Region $13,930,599.00 100.00%

*The FY 2022 State Allocations is higher than the amount in the corresponding FY 2023 Budget Justification spreadsheet due to

the addition of prior year funds being incorporated into the formula for additional grant funding. The amount for FY 2022 

reflected in the spreadsheet is $12,720,693 for reference.

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

FY 2023 Budget: $15,000,000

Complementary to SEDAP grants, the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) helps strengthen the 

economic viability of Delta communities by making investments into projects addressing flood control, 

basic public infrastructure, and local transportation improvements throughout the Delta region. CIF 

provides increased flexibility to support states and communities as they address unmet infrastructure 

needs in the region. The CIF application cycle coincides directly with SEDAP.
FY 2023 Budget: Community Infrastructure Fund

Community Infrastructure Fund $15,000,000.00

Total $15,000,000.00

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include state and local government (including state agencies, cities, and 

counties/parishes), other public bodies, and nonprofit organizations.

Application and Selection Process

Applications are submitted through an online portal and reviewed by Local Development Districts (LDD) 

to ensure eligibility and completeness. Once the LDDs formally submit the final applications through the 

portal DRA staff review each application in its entirety to determine eligibility, tier status, and follow up 

questions (as needed to request project-relevant documentation). The Board of Governors, through their 

Designees and Alternates, are provided a list of eligible projects with pertinent information to make 

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

Federal Co-Chair reviews the remainder of the project list to select additional projects to be funded 

through CIF. Generally, the Federal Co-Chair approves CIF grants in proportion to the amount awarded 

to each state through CIF (for example, if Alabama receives 10% of SEDAP, the Federal Co-Chair will 

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

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

Grant Range

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

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

FY 2023 Budget: $554,000

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

SEDAP projects. LDD staff review and certify SEDAP applications before submission to DRA to 

confirm the projects meet the eligibility requirements and program criteria. Ultimately, DRA determines 

if an application meets the eligibility requirements; however, LDDs serve as front-line project managers 

for DRA to provide technical assistance to prospective applicants, administer grant funds, and oversee 

DRA-funded projects during the period of performance. LDDs also assist prospective applicants with 

identifying other federal and state funding opportunities, when and where appropriate. All DRA 

applicants are encouraged to work closely with their LDD to identify appropriate resources for their 

projects.

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

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

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

dollars in excess of the original $100,000. For example, a $200,000 grant would include $6,000 in LDD 

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

FY 2023 Budget: Local Development Districts

LDD Technical Assistance $554,000

Total $544,000
DRA INVESTMENTS MAP (2002-2021)
Section III: 

Human Infrastructure 

Programs
INTERAGENCY PARNTERSHIPS & INITIATIVES

In FY 2023, DRA anticipates funding levels consistent with FY 2022 and FY 2021 for partnership 

programs with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and U.S. Economic 

Development Administration (EDA), as presented below.

RURAL COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM

FY 2023 Budget: $3,000,000

Beginning in 2003, Congress designated a portion of USDA - Rural Community Advancement Program 

(RCAP) funds for use by DRA within the same program. There are several programs under the RCAP 

umbrella, all of which are eligible for DRA funding. To date, DRA has funded three types of RCAP grant 

activities:

● Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG): The primary objective is to help small and emerging 

private businesses, and/or nonprofits in rural communities to startup or expand.

● Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG): The primary objective is to promote sustainable 

development in rural communities with exceptional needs. 

● Community Facility Grants: The primary objective is to improve, develop, or finance essential 

community facilities for rural communities.

Over the last nineteen years, DRA has successfully applied for more than $50 million in RCAP funding, 

which has supported approximately 450 projects. Each year DRA allocates a portion of the RCAP dollars 

to fund various Authority programs and region-wide projects priorities by the Federal Co-Chair. 

Examples of funded programs/projects: Delta Leadership Institute, Delta Small Business Academy, and 

Delta Summit (described below).

FY 2023 Budget: Rural Community Advancement Program

Delta Leadership Institute $850,000.00

Delta Small Business Academy $750,000.00

Delta Research $500,000.00

Delta Summit $300,000.00

Regional Projects $450,000.00

Administrative Expenses $150,000.00

Total $3,000,000.00

Delta Leadership Institute

FY 2023 Budget (from USDA RCAP): $850,000

Founded in 2005, the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) supports local economic development by building 

leadership skills and fostering collaboration among established community leaders in the public, private, 

and nonprofit sectors to improve the economic and social opportunities of the Delta region and its people. 

DLI relies on the administrative, programming, and curricular support from a consortium of three 

university partners: Arkansas State University, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and the University 

of Arkansas Sam M. Walton School of Business. The year-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 five sessions (virtually and in-person) in FY 2021 that 

focused on community capacity, policy and governance, workforce competitiveness, and public 

infrastructure. The Delta Leadership Institute graduated 24 fellows from its sixteenth class in January 

2022 (original event postponed due to COVID-19). Upon graduation, the fellows then become a member 

of the Delta Leadership Network (DLN). 

DLN 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. Now more than 600 community leaders make 

up the DLN, through which they continue their engagement with the Delta Leadership Institute at state 

meetings, an annual Delta Leadership Network conference, and events with new Executive Academy 

classes.

Delta Small Business Academy

FY 2023 Budget (from USDA RCAP): $750,000

DRA is committed to ensuring that small businesses and entrepreneurs receive the support, assistance, 

and resources they need to be sustainable through economic downturns and expand

through times of prosperity. To reach these small businesses and entrepreneurs, DRA’s Delta Small 

Business Academy will strengthen outreach to and develop targeted programming for businesses by 

partnering with organizations that have established relationships and experiences within the DRA region. 

The focus of DSBA is to meet the needs of small business leaders and entrepreneurs who have been 

operating a business in the previous 12 months in the DRA region by offering technical assistance, 

mentoring opportunities, and peer-to-peer best practice exchanges. DSBA is designed to provide highquality technical assistance using a curriculum that will cover strategic planning, legal and accounting, 

access to capital, government contracting and procurement, marketing, human resources, business 

development, and other topics to aid businesses in their stabilization and expansion.

Additionally, DSBA will catalyze and sustain an alumni network of small business leaders and 

entrepreneurs throughout the DRA region to cultivate regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and 

professional development opportunities.

DSBA will launch its first cohort in 2023.

Delta Summit

FY 2023 Budget (from USDA RCAP): $300,000

Beginning in 2022, DRA will host an annual conference called the Delta Summit to bring together 

community leaders from across the eight-state Delta Region to discuss and learn more about the region’s 

opportunities for economic development, rural revitalization, and community resiliency. Each Summit

will feature keynote speakers, concurrent breakout sessions and workshops, field experiences, and peer 

networking opportunities to share ideas, best practices, and strategies to move the region forward. 

Each year, DRA will bring together a planning committee comprised of DRA staff, DRA board members, 

Delta Leadership Network Regional Advisory Council members, Local Development Districts, and other 

external stakeholders residing locally in the host city to develop the agenda and field experiences for each

Delta Summit. To accommodate 300 or more attendees, DRA will rotate between three primary host 

cities for the Delta Summit including New Orleans, LA, Memphis, TN, and Little Rock, AR.

ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE
FY 2023 Budget: $3,000,000 (from EDA)

Since FY 2016, the U.S. Congress has directed EDA to partner with DRA to “...advance economic 

growth by assisting communities and regions experiencing chronic high unemployment and low per 

capita income to create an environment that fosters innovation, promotes entrepreneurship, and attracts 

increased private capital investment.” DRA and EDA executed an MOA following the passage of this 

legislative action, which calls for EDA to invest $3 million into projects identified by DRA through the 

Authority’s SEDAP application cycle.
Appendix
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN III

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

and community development in the Delta region, adopted its third Regional Development Plan (RDP III) 

in April of 2016 as an assessment of, and a response to, the region’s myriad opportunities, assets, and 

challenges. In collaboration with stakeholders and community leaders across the region, through a series 

of facilitated listening sessions and virtual webinars, this plan serves to update the agency’s Regional 

Development Plan II (RDP II), originally adopted in 2008. The RDP III sets forth revised goals that will 

drive the DRA’s work over the next five years, building on the successes of many of the DRA’s existing 

programs and setting new goals for the future.

VISION

The Delta region is a place where people and businesses have access to economic opportunities in vibrant, 

sustainable, and resilient communities.

MISSION

The Delta Regional Authority will advance its communities through the practical application of 

innovative ideas and strategies that foster inclusive communities, strengthen regional collaboration and 

capacity, achieve sustained, long-term economic development, and produce meaningful opportunities for 

all Delta people.

MANAGEMENT GOAL

Maintain organizational excellence and efficiency, invest in professional development, encourage 

innovation, and continue to be an effective steward of public funds.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Collaboration

The DRA will continue to serve as a facilitator of regional collaboration, leveraging diverse 

resources, aligning public and private interests, and strengthening local and regional partnerships.

2. Innovation

The DRA will encourage the utilization of innovative economic development strategies and placebased programs to address the region’s challenges, build resilient communities, and turn opportunities 

into action.

3. Leadership

The DRA will support the development and preparedness of local leaders to implement existing 

models of success and to engage broadly across regional, national, and global networks.
DRA STRATEGIC GOALS

GOAL 1. IMPROVED WORKFORCE COMPETITIVENESS

Advance the productivity and economic competitiveness of the Delta workforce.

Access to a skilled workforce is a crucial factor affecting the ability of businesses to succeed in today’s 

economy, thus employers are notably drawn to locations with concentrations of skilled workers. As 

national demographic trends project a decline in the working-age population over the coming decades, 

employers will increasingly have difficulties finding skilled workers. Thus, one of the most urgent 

priorities for communities across the country is to develop a pipeline of talented workers to support the 

growth of existing and future employers. This is especially true for communities in the Delta region as 

they compete for businesses, jobs, and economic opportunities.

GOAL 2. STRENGTHENED INFRASTRUCTURE

Strengthen the Delta’s physical, digital, and capital connections to the global economy.

High-functioning transportation networks and basic infrastructure (e.g., water, wastewater, electricity, and 

natural gas, and affordable broadband internet) are essential for the long-term success of resilient regional 

economies. While it will be important to maintain the Delta region’s existing infrastructure, there are also 

opportunities to make strategic investments in transportation and broadband infrastructure that will boost 

the region’s economic potential. It is also necessary for communities to have the appropriate real estate 

options and financing available to attract new businesses and take advantage of the economic 

development opportunities available to them.

GOAL 3. INCREASED COMMUNITY CAPACITY

Facilitate local capacity building within Delta communities, organizations, and businesses.

Strong local leadership in Delta communities is a prerequisite for the capacity building that will yield 

long-term economic prosperity for the region’s businesses and residents. Competitive and resilient 

communities are able to attract new jobs and investment and keep those jobs thanks in large part to their 

high level of engagement from community and business leaders. The development of a robust 

entrepreneurial environment is also important to the long-term success of the region. Entrepreneurs, 

innovative companies, creative workers, and technology are key elements of the regional economy. 

Finally, the quality of place in Delta communities has a major influence on their potential for economic 

development, providing an attractive environment that appeals to young professionals.
DRA SERVICE AREA