WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2004-Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced $1.74 million in grant funds to assist the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to remedy severe and chronic economic distress in Mississippi Delta region communities. With funds from USDA Rural Development, DRA will be able to support the operation of 20 different projects. Of the $1.74 million, $715,622 will be used to fund Rural Business Enterprise Grant and Rural Business Opportunity Grant programs throughout the eight-State region, and $1,024,353 will fund technical assistance activities.

"USDA is committed to upholding President Bush's goal of creating jobs and economic opportunities for rural America," Veneman said. "These grants provide financial support to help stimulate economic growth and enhance partnerships in the communities."

The DRA is a partnership between the Federal Government and the States, which serves a 240 county/parish area in an eight-State region, including, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. The Governor of each State and a Federal Co-Chairman lead the DRA to help economically distressed communities leverage Federal and State programs. These programs are focused on basic infrastructure development, transportation improvements, business development and job training services.

Last year, USDA Rural Development provided $1.9 million in grant funds to assist the DRA fund 17 business development planning or training efforts. Funds were also used to create the "Delta Leadership Institute," a transportation infrastructure plan for the region, and a comprehensive action plan.

The following is a list of individual projects being funded by the DRA for fiscal year 2005:

• City of Union Springs (AL)--$13,500
• University of Alabama (AL)--$50,000
• Presbyterian Development Corporation (AR)--$99,634
• Southeastern Illinois College Foundation (IL)--$48,000
• Pinkneyville Community Hospital (IL)--$50,000
• Marshall County/Calvert City Riverport Authority (KY) --$75,000
• Madison Parish Hospital (LA)--$40,300
• Iberville Chamber of Commerce (LA)--$50,000
• Alt Consulting (MS)--$50,000
• Technology Enterprises (MO)--$50,000
• Adopt-A-Farm Family of America (MO)--$68,888
• City of Henry (TN)--$70,000
• Union County (MS)--$50,000

In addition to these grants, the DRA has several policy initiatives & economic development planning activities that will be funded through the USDA grant.

They are:

• Delta Leadership Institute ( a leadership training program)
• Development of a Biotechnology Plan, Phase I for the region
• Development of an Information Technology Plan, Phase I for the region
• Development of a Health and Economic Development Study/Action Plan for the region
• Development of a Regional Tourism Plan for the region
• Development of a Pre-Employment Training Program (job training program for adult students)
• Conduct DRA Annual Training Conference
• Conduct Local Development District Training Session

For further information on these projects and policy initiatives, please contact DRA at: http://www.dra.gov/, 1-888-GO-TO-DRA or Fax: (662) 624-8537, 236 Sharkey Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community, and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.