CLARKSDALE, MS – Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Thursday announced a $2,176,676 investment that will boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Southeast Missouri communities and residents. The investment will be matched by $6 million and will attract an additional $175,000 in leveraged private investment (LPI) into Missouri.
One of the seven new investment projects is in Perryville: Ranken Southeast Workforce Training Equipment. Ranken Technical College will use DRA funds to obtain equipment for use by various degree programs. This investment is projected to train 357 individuals.
- DRA Investment: $268,910
- Total Investment: $5,995,145
The six other new investment projects will improve water and sewer systems, support business development, and support job training in communities across the Missouri Bootheel. These projects are expected to create or retain 41 jobs and train 539 individuals.
“The road to economic revitalization begins with strengthening a community’s infrastructure, supporting small businesses and developing a workforce to meet local industry needs,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins. “Delta Regional Authority’s $2.1 million investment will help boost seven projects in Missouri communities to enable economic growth and preparing the region for a prosperous future.”
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. DRA coordinates directly with the Office of the Governor for the State of Missouri and local development districts in the state for program funding implementation.
Missouri: FY 2022 Investment Snapshot
- Number of Projects: 7
- DRA Investment: $2,176,676
- Total Project Investment: $8,235,197
- Additional Capital Investment: $175,000
- Jobs Created: 13
- Jobs Retained: 28
- Individuals Trained: 539
“This investment from Delta Regional Authority will be transformative in strengthening rural communities in southeast Missouri,” said Governor Mike Parson (R-MO). “Projects supported by these funds align with our priorities of improving infrastructure, developing our workforce, and growing our economy. We’re grateful for our state’s partnership with Delta Regional Authority as we work to broaden opportunities and improve the lives of all Missourians.”
“These investments will support key economic development projects, like expanding workforce training programs, improving access to health care, and strengthening local infrastructure,” said U.S. Senator Roy Blunt. “In Congress, I’ve been proud to support the DRA’s efforts in our state, and I’ll continue working with them to ensure rural communities have the tools they need to compete and succeed.”
“I’m glad the Delta Regional Authority is making a significant investment that will improve health care, job opportunities, and the quality of life in southern Missouri,” said Rep. Jason Smith. “Whether it’s funding a new surgery center at Texas County Memorial Hospital, workforce training programs at Ranken Technical College in Perryville, or a new flood resistant public safety facility in Van Buren, this investment will benefit families in communities across the district. I’ll continue supporting the Delta Regional Authority’s important efforts to help make our rural communities an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The following projects were funded by SEDAP:
- Ranken Southeast Workforce Training Equipment | Perryville, MO: Ranken Technical College will use DRA funds to obtain equipment for use by various degree programs. This investment is projected to train 357 individuals.
- DRA Investment: $268,910
- Total Investment: $5,995,145
- Dream Big Learning Center | Park Hills, MO: The East Missouri Action Agency, Inc. will use DRA funds to renovate space in a behavioral health care complex to establish a regional childcare facility that also offers student practicums and internships as well as mentoring opportunities. This investment is projected to create 12 jobs, retain 12 jobs, and train 42 individuals.
- DRA Investment: $705,790
- Total Investment: $996,076
- Texas County Memorial Hospital Surgery Center Infill Project, Phase II | Houston, MO: Texas County Memorial Hospital (TCMH) will use DRA funds to purchase and install surgery-related equipment necessary to open a new surgery center. This investment is projected to create one job and retain 16 jobs.
- DRA Investment: $332,000
- Total Investment: $332,000
- Additional Capital Investment: $175,000
- JAG-Missouri, Inc. | Springfield, MO: JAG-Missouri, Inc. will use DRA funds to expand and strengthen the JAG program to enhance economic development by supporting students in 16 school districts within nine DRA counties.
- DRA Investment: $256,500
- Total Investment: $256,500
- Mineral Point Bridge Replacement | Mineral Point, MO: The Village of Mineral Point, in partnership with Washington County, will use DRA funds to replace a small low water crossing over Mill Creek that continually floods.
- DRA Investment: $175,560
- Total Investment: $217,560
- Rural Agriculture, Artisan, and Tourism Business Development | St. James, MO: The Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation will use DRA funds to provide business training, marketing, and business development to the agricultural, tourism and hospitality businesses in Dent, Crawford, Phelps, and Washington counties. This investment is projected to train 140 individuals.
- DRA Investment: $124,593
- Total Investment: $124,593
- Van Buren Public Safety Building | Van Buren, MO: The City of Van Buren will use DRA funds to demolish the existing abandoned, flood-damaged public safety facility and construct a new, elevated facility upon the same site for fire services and future law enforcement services.
- DRA Investment: $313,323
- Total Investment: $313,323
About the Delta Regional Authority
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to promote and encourage the economic development of the lower Mississippi River Delta region and Alabama Black Belt. DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic public infrastructure, workforce training, and business development. DRA’s mission is to help create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state region.