LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Delta Regional Authority is investing more than $25 million in 25 projects across seven states in the Mississippi Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions through its Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF), including Arkansas.
The funding, made available in part by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help address needs such as public infrastructure, transportation, and flood control needs.
Arkansas's portion of the funding will go towards four different projects, including:
- City of Paragould: awarded $872,600 for a transportation project to 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: 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 and ensure the system has the capacity to support future residential and industrial growth.
- Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District Inc: awarded more than $2 million for a railroad infrastructure improvement project to accommodate a grain storage elevator in Chicot County, providing access to reliable and affordable transport and ensuring economic resiliency within the area.
- City of Pocahontas: 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.
“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.”
Other projects will be carried out in Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri and Mississippi and will help create roughly 1,100 jobs.
