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DRA’s investment will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and job training to support economic development in communities across the Arkansas Delta.
Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a $3,239,382 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Arkansas communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $7.1 million and will attract an additional $45.8 million in leveraged private investment (LPI) into the Arkansas Delta.
The 8 new investment projects will improve water and sewer systems, update transportation infrastructure, and support workforce development in communities across the Arkansas Delta. These projects are expected to create or retain 516 jobs, train 240 individuals, and affect 1,068 families.
“Born and raised along the Mississippi River, I know firsthand how vital the Delta Regional Authority’s ability to bolster community revitalization and economic prosperity within the Delta and Alabama Black Belt is,” said DRA Alternate Federal Co-Chairwoman Leslie Durham. “By strategically investing federal dollars into physical and human infrastructure, DRA helps alleviate the critical needs of the region in order to improve quality of life for our residents and foster future growth. I want to thank Governor Hutchinson and the Arkansas Congressional Delegation for their continued partnership as we work to level the playing field for our citizens.”
Funding for these projects is provided by the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), which provides direct investment into community-based and regional projects to support basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, workforce training and education, and small businesses development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF), which targets physical infrastructure projects that help build safer, more resilient communities in the Delta region. DRA coordinates directly with the Office of the Governor for the State of Arkansas and its local development districts for program funding implementation.
Arkansas: FY 2021 Investment Snapshot
- Number of Projects: 8
- DRA Investment: $3,239,382
- Total Project Investment: $10,386,138
- Additional Capital Investment: $45,800,000
- Jobs Created: 353
- Jobs Retained: 163
- Individuals Trained: 240
- Families Affected: 1,068
“Investing in the basics of infrastructure will help create and retain jobs, boost business and lead to economic development,” Governor Hutchinson said. “The Delta Region of Arkansas is full of history and potential and this investment will enhance the lives and increase the possibilities in the Delta.”
“Our communities benefit when we invest in and position them for future growth. This DRA support for projects throughout the Arkansas Delta will help ensure safety, create and maintain jobs, modernize and improve services, and more. I’m pleased the partnerships at all levels of government continue to promote economic development and better quality of life for Arkansans,” said Senator John Boozman (R-AR).
“Strategic and targeted investment from the Delta Regional Authority is critical for local communities and economies. This announcement will enable job creation and other new opportunities for Arkansans. I am appreciative of the work being done by the DRA to improve life in the Delta,” said Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01).
“I am proud of the growth and development we have seen across Arkansas over the past several years. Delta Regional Authority’s announcement of a $3.2 million investment will help advance projects that will continue to advance infrastructure across the state. This investment will create skilled jobs, support local families, and attract further investment into our communities. I look forward to the impact this grant will have across the state and in the lives of Arkansans,” said Congressman French Hill (AR-02).
The following project was funded by CIF:
Osceola Industrial Sewer Improvements | Osceola, AR: The City of Osceola will use DRA funds to upgrade the Country Club Road Lift Station with larger adjacent force main to prevent further environmental issues in the system. This investment is projected to retain 40 jobs and affect four families.
DRA Investment: $1,014,000
Total Investment: $5,733,470
Additional Capital Investment: $40,000,000
The following projects were funded by SEDAP:
Mountain Home Sewer Extension – Sharp Annexation | Mountain Home, AR: The City of Mountain Home will use DRA funds to extend the sewer lines within the city limits to provide four current businesses, a new fire station, and anticipated future development in the project area access to the city sewer. This investment is projected to create two jobs and retain 10 jobs.
DRA Investment: $307,000
Total Investment: $414,394
Stuttgart Municipal Airport Drainage and Road Improvements | Stuttgart, AR: The City of Stuttgart will use DRA funds to replace a main drainage culvert under an access road at the Stuttgart Municipal Airport. This investment is projected to retain 8 jobs.
DRA Investment: $282,659
Total Investment: $282,659
Colt Water Tower Improvements | Colt, AR: The City of Colt will use DRA funds to provide an additional water storage tank and make necessary improvements to the already existing water storage tank. This investment is projected to affect 64 families.
DRA Investment: $317,100
Total Investment: $674,951
Newport Information Technology Center | Newport, AR: The City of Newport will use DRA funds to construct a parking lot for the Newport Information Technology Training Center. This investment is projected to train 40 individuals.
DRA Investment: $257,162
Total Investment: $285,013
Bald Knob Wastewater Treatment Plant Levee Repair | Bald Knob, AR: The City of Bald Knob will use DRA funds to raise the top bank elevation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant equalization basin to prevent overflow and avoid a levee breach. This investment is projected to affect 1,000 families.
DRA Investment: $254,062
Total Investment: $281,662
Helena Harbor Surface Transportation Improvement Project Phase II | Helena, AR: The Helena-West Helena/Phillips County Port Authority (Helena Harbor) will use DRA funds to pave a portion of Helm Road at Helena Harbor that is still gravel. This investment is projected to create one job and retain eight jobs.
DRA Investment: $745,118
Total Investment: $765,118
Additional Capital Investment: $1,500,000
McCrory Killingsworth Sewer Extension | McCrory, AR: The City of McCrory will use DRA funds to extend sewer to the DeltARK facility located at the furthest northwest corner of city limits currently not served by the city sewer. This investment is projected to retain 22 jobs.
DRA Investment: $62,281
Total Investment: $68,881
