DRA’s investment will improve basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development, and job training to support economic development in communities across Louisiana.
Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced a $6,806,567 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Louisiana communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $9 million and will attract an additional $4 million in leveraged private investment (LPI) into Louisiana.
The 17 new investment projects will improve water and sewer systems, update transportation infrastructure, and support business development and job training in communities across Louisiana. These projects are expected to create or retain 675 jobs, train 224 individuals, and affect over 18,000 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 Edwards and the Louisiana 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 Louisiana and its local development districts for program funding implementation.
Louisiana: FY 2021 Investment Snapshot
- Number of Projects: 17
- DRA Investment: $6,806,567
- Total Project Investment: $15,867,807
- Additional Capital Investment: $4,000,000
- Jobs Created: 122
- Jobs Retained: 553
- Individuals Trained: 224
- Families Affected: 18,875
“Louisiana is grateful to the DRA for this investment in our rural communities that are the backbone or our state and nation,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “Co-Chairwoman Leslie Durham understands the challenges faced throughout the Delta region, and I commend her for her strong advocacy work and am thankful to our congressional delegation for all of their support. The job training, business development and improvements to dated sewer, water and infrastructure systems are greatly needed and will positively impact the lives of thousands of individuals and families.”
“A huge investment to improve infrastructure and support Louisiana’s workforce,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is great news for our state and thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure bill, we can expect to see additional funds in the near future.”
“Louisiana is grateful for the Delta Regional Authority’s $6.8 million investment in our state, including $1 million to boost the Central Louisiana Regional Port’s infrastructure, which will create new jobs and protect existing jobs,” said U.S. Senator John Kennedy.
“When we have a strong foundation we can count on, we can do great things,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (LA-02). “These DRA investments will help transform Louisiana’s workforce and infrastructure for the better, and will improve everyday life better for families across the state. Compounded with tens of millions in funds from the bipartisan infrastructure bill, we will soon see a new era of strength for Louisiana’s infrastructure and a consequent boost to our economy.”
“The Acadiana Regional Seafood Hub will help create jobs, support Louisiana’s seafood industry, and boost the local economy. This is a welcome investment from the Delta Regional Authority and combines with other federal funding to move this project forward,” said Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03).
“We greatly appreciate the Delta Regional Authority’s commitment to making public infrastructure and workforce improvements across Louisiana, and we are glad these investments will be put to good use,” said Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04).
“These strategic investments from the Delta Regional Authority are helping us continue to move the Fifth District forward,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05). “We appreciate the DRA making such a substantial commitment to our region, and we look forward to working with them and our state partners on projects in the future.”
“Supply chain issues are compounded by a driver shortage, and it is great to see Fletcher Community College helping to solve problems and create employment opportunities. This simulator is a great workforce training tool that will help us better train commercial vehicle operators on how to get products in the supply chain where they need to go more efficiently. We have to change the way we move people and goods on roadways to address our traffic and road congestion, improve safety, and make our state’s economy more competitive. This lab simulator will help keep Fletcher Community College and Louisiana trucking along, and I am looking forward to seeing all the positive outcomes from these funds announced today,” said Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06).
Acadiana Regional Seafood Hub | The Twin Parish Port District (Port of Delcambre) will use DRA funds to invest in land purchase, site development, and architectural and engineering fees for the Acadiana Regional Seafood Hub slated for construction in Erath. This investment is projected to create 12 jobs and retain five jobs.
DRA Investment: $275,000
Total Investment: $1,348,480
For a complete list of funded projects, visit the DRA website.
For more information about the Acadiana Seafood Hub, click here.
Published 2/23/22