Delta Regional Authority projects funded

A new investment of resources aimed at Mississippi River Delta small business owners, entrepreneurs, families, and communities is designed to grow the region’s economy and create jobs, the Delta Regional Authority and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced Nov. 7.

Eight new investments coming directly to Southern Illinois, from building and repairing roadways and sewer systems to hospital upgrades and the construction of new businesses, leverage $483,934.48 in federal resources into $11,845,671.48 in total public and private investment for the Delta region, its people and its future.

The awards are provided through the DRA States’ Economic Development Assistance Program.

These investments are in addition to $222,250 for water and sewer infrastructure funded through this year’s first round of SEDAP funding in March.

DRA coordinates directly with Illinois’ five local development districts in the region for program funding implementation.

DRA federal co-chairman Chris Masingill said in a news release that working "to grow the economy and create jobs is our number one commitment to the people of the Delta. These investments continue our commitment to paving the way for a better future, a better Delta.”

“These investments will help fund vital public health, safety and transportation improvements in Southern Illinois,” Gov. Pat Quinn said."

"The funds will also provide jobs while the projects are underway, and improve the quality of life in the region once they are complete."  

“DRA continues to be a positive force for the region, and this funding will provide a much-appreciated lift to the economy of Southern Illinois,” U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., said.

“The Delta Regional Authority funding announced for Southern Illinois projects is welcome news for economic development in our region,” U.S. Rep. Bill Enyart, D-Ill., said.

“The DRA is living up to its mission by investing in the infrastructure and economic opportunity in the part of our state that needs it most. I look forward to seeing these projects boost our local economy.”

Among the Southern Illinois projects are:

•Road improvements, Union County: Rural road widening and surfacing to improve safety for those visiting a new zip line project and existing projects

$100,000; total project cost: $223,610 (35 jobs to be created).

•Metropolis Port District Phase II, Metropolis: Site preparation, building construction and establishment of an assembly facility for a railroad timber mat company. DRA: $101,244.14; total project cost: $340,000 (seven jobs to be created).

•Cairo River Terminal, Cairo: Development of a public port facility on the Ohio River to create jobs through port infrastructure and increase the economic sustainability and viability of the City of Cairo and Alexander County. DRA: $66,347.34; total project cost: $10,150,000 (30 jobs to be created and retained).

The Delta Regional Authority is a federal-state partnership that is congressionally mandated to identify and provide investment to help grow the small business and entrepreneurial community in the 252 counties and parishes of the Delta.

The investments come through the DRA’s States Economic Development Assistance Program.

With 45 Local Development Districts as front-line project managers, these investments by the Delta Regional Authority support job creation and community development projects.

In 12 project cycles, the authority has leveraged more than $2.7 billion in public and private investment into DRA projects that are helping to create and retain more than 41,000 jobs, train nearly 30,000 workers, and afford more than 69,000 families access to clean water and sewer service.


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