Delta Regional Authority Invests $2.2M in Arkansas Projects

The Delta Regional Authority has invested $2.2 million in eight public infrastructure and workforce training projects.

“DRA’s mission is to support economic development by making investments into the physical infrastructure and human capital of the Delta region,” DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell said in a news release. “These investments will provide much needed improvements to water and sewer systems, medical facilities, and industry-driven workforce training programs to provide greater economic opportunities for Arkansas residents and businesses.”

The projects are:

• Helena-West Helena transportation improvements on Washington Street (DRA investment: $589,000; Total investment: $10.6 million);

• Monticello railroad overpass expansion (DRA investment: $509,000; Total investment: $8.1 million);
• Pine Bluff economic research center expansion ( DRA investment: $295,000);

• Marshall sewer system expansion (DRA investment: $231,770);

• Wilmar sewer treatment plant improvements (DRA investment: $200,000; Total investment: $950,000);

• Black River Technical College nursing program expansion in Pocahontas (DRA investment: $153,139; Total investment: $1.2 million);

• Fairfield Bay medical helicopter hangar (DRA investment: $145,431; Total investment: $160,990); and
• Walnut Ridge broadband improvements (DRA investment: $104,764).

Funding for the projects is provided by the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program, DRA’s flagship grant program. DRA coordinates directly with the governor’s office and six local development districts in the state for program funding implementation.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the grants “will allow communities to retain or create nearly 100 jobs, provide job training for 150 people, and improve life for 250 families. I am grateful for DRA’s thoughtful consideration of the best ways to make life better for the people who live in the Delta.”