DRA awards $10 million in projects

The Delta Regional Authority has awarded more than $10 million to help fund 23 projects throughout the DRA’s coverage area including Arkansas.

The funds come through the Delta Workforce Grant Program, a part of the Infrastructure Law. About 600 communities and 2,000 residents will be impacted by these projects that are focused workforce training.

“The Delta Workforce Grant Program makes targeted investments in initiatives and programs that support workforce employment and training needs in DRA’s region and helps create pathways to high-quality careers that allow residents to thrive and remain in their communities,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman, Dr. Corey Wiggins.

The grants range from $185,000 to $450,000. In Arkansas, the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership received a $450,000 for the Delta Advance: Emergency Medical Services Training Initiative. It will bring together nonprofit, education, health care, economics and workforce development within the emergency medical services sector.

Arkansas State University Mountain Home received $450,000 to establish an extrusion and injection molding program to promote industry driven training and workforce development. Ozarka College has been awarded $437,000 to develop a skilled trades program and expand its welding program.

Shorter College will receive $440,000 for and Entrepreneurial Technology Center that will offer training in high-demand occupations to strengthen the local and regional workforces.