WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) has awarded grants in Mississippi to improve projects ranging from levee construction and water system improvements to an Amtrak platform and job training.
The federal funds totaling at $3.38 million will be spread to eight infrastructure and community development projects in Clarksdale, Duncan, Itta Bena, Leland, Marks, Natchez, Webb and Yazoo City. Those funds will be combined with non-federal contributions with allows for more than $7.2 million to be invested into the projects.
“Many of Mississippi’s communities will benefit from these investments to help improve infrastructure and encourage job creation,” Sen. Roger Wicker said. “This Delta Regional Authority-directed funding makes good use of taxpayer funds to support local projects and increase the well-being of residents. These announcements are great news for the entire state.”
The DRA grants were awarded as follows:
- Adams County – $2,325,500 available in DRA and nonfederal funding to support Phase I construction of the Bellwood Levee, which would be designed to make 100 acres of county-owned property at the Port of Natchez-Adams County suitable for industrial use. (DRA grant – $1,266,500; nonfederal funding – $1,059,000)
- City of Leland – $1,132,859 in DRA and nonfederal funding to support installation of a new water well, an elevated water tank and distribution system improvements. (DRA grant – $900,000; nonfederal funding – $1,059,000)
DRA approved the following States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) grants to support community-based and regional projects:
- Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale – $1,668,903 in DRA and nonfederal funding to support the fabrication and construction of new permanent exhibits at the museum. (DRA grant – $900,000; nonfederal funding – $1,059,000)
- Truelight Development Group, Inc., Yazoo City – $337,300 in DRA funding to support the nonprofit organization’s two-phase project to drill a new water well, connect water systems, and extend service to 40 unserved households.
- City of Itta Bena – $255,200 in DRA funding to support wastewater system improvements involving the installation of 25 aerators in existing lagoons to meet environmental limits.
- Save the Children, Duncan – $250,000 in DRA and nonfederal funding to support the Mississippi Readers-to-Leaders project to provide training, technical assistance and resources for education paraprofessionals in rural Mississippi. (DRA grant – $100,000; nonfederal funding – $150,000)
- City of Webb – $53,788 in DRA funding to support emergency repairs and rehabilitation of the community’s Well 2, which is in poor condition and lacks adequate chlorination equipment.
With a $300,000 combined SEDAP-CIF grant, $1,200,000 is available to support a Quitman County project to install a platform, pavilion and paved area for the permanent Amtrak stop in Marks. This project is supported with $900,000 in non-federal funding.
“This Delta Regional Authority funding will support the immediate and long-term projects that can make a difference in the lives of Mississippians. Combined with other non-federal and private contributions, these projects can help improve the quality of life and economic outlook for many people,”Sen. Thad Cochran said.”I am pleased the DRA is putting this funding to good use.
