Delta Regional Authority funds 4 projects in Arkansas

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced Monday (Oct. 28) an investment of more than $25 million toward 25 projects through its Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF).

These projects span seven states within DRA’s eight-service region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri and Mississippi. Funding for this program was made available, in part, by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden. None of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation voted in support of the infrastructure law.

In Arkansas, there are four projects that were funded bringing more than $5 million to the state.

The awards are designed to address unmet needs in basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure and flood control needs. Together, these 25 projects are estimated to create or retain more than 1,100 jobs and impact more than 75,000 families across 25 communities.

“The Community Infrastructure Fund is one of DRA’s most unique tools that allows us to expand and invest in the resiliency of the region’s public infrastructure,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA Federal Co-Chairman. “As a result of this investment, approximately 75,266 families will have improved access to infrastructure, helping to improve their quality of life and increase economic opportunities in their communities.”

In Arkansas, recipients include:

City of Pocahontas was awarded more than $1.9 million for upgrades that will provide for sufficient capacity and water services for current and future economic and residential growth.

City of Paragould was awarded $872,600 for a transportation project that will extend an existing rail spur to a local industry that has pledged to create 20 jobs as a result of this infrastructure investment.

City of Truman was awarded nearly $762,000 to make renovations to the city’s water system to ensure the ongoing service of potable water to existing residents and businesses while also ensuring the system has the capacity to support future residential and industrial growth.

Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District Inc. was awarded more than $2 million for a railroad infrastructure improvement project that will accommodate a grain storage elevator in Chicot County, providing access to reliable and affordable transport and ensuring economic resiliency within the area.