Delta Regional Authority to support Opportunity Zones

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced Wednesday (Dec. 18) a $181,931 investment to support Opportunity Zones (OZ) in communities across Arkansas.

Opportunity Arkansas, an initiative of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Winrock International, will use DRA funds to bring together education and outreach to assist the region in developing projects that create jobs and revitalize the state of Arkansas.

Opportunity Arkansas will serve as the Opportunity Zone Investment Hub, focusing on convening education and outreach activities, assisting Delta community leadership with project development, and promoting projects via an online portal to investors inside and outside the state of Arkansas.

“As a member of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, I am pleased to support the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Winrock International’s new initiative to support Opportunity Zones in Arkansas,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell. “DRA’s investment will help the Delta region attract qualified fund managers and unlock private capital that will stimulate economic development and promote sustainable growth in underserved communities.”

Funding for this project was provided by the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program, DRA’s flagship grant program that makes strategic investments into projects supporting basic public infrastructure, transportation improvements, workforce training and education, and business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship.

“The Delta Regional Authority’s investment will be a boom for our smaller communities as they seek to capitalize on their Opportunity Zones,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “Access to education and technical support will enlarge the pool of potential entrepreneurs and increase the chance to take full advantage of these opportunities.”