Delta Regional Authority
About Our Partnership
North Delta Regional Planning & Development District, Inc. (North Delta) provides administrative support and technical assistance across the entire district. Tracy Ausberry, supported by Jacqualine Closure and Jeffrey Tyler, leads efforts in research, consulting, and grant management to advance the region’s development initiatives.
The Delta Regional Authority, established in 2000, serves as a formal framework for federal-state collaboration aimed at fostering economic growth in the lower Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt regions. The DRA supports projects that enhance transportation infrastructure, public services, workforce training, and business development. The DRA’s service area spans 252 counties and parishes across Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee—regions recognized as some of the most economically distressed in the nation.
In 2024, Ms. Ausberry and the North Delta staff played a key role in securing over $4.5 million in DRA funding for Northeast Louisiana communities.
Click here to visit the Delta Regional Authority website.
Critical Infrastructure Funding Opportunities
States’ Economic Development Assistance Program
The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) is a key investment tool of the DRA, providing direct funding for essential public infrastructure, transportation, business development with a focus on entrepreneurship, and workforce development. For more information about SEDAP NOFA or assistance with your application, please contact Ms. Ausberry. For technical inquiries regarding the NOFA, email sedap.cif@dra.gov with the subject line “SEDAP NOFA,” and include the contact’s name, applicant organization, and phone number in the body of your message.
This program is funded in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden.
Click here for additional information about this program.
Community Infrastructure Fund
The Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) serves as a key complement to SEDAP, focusing on investments that enhance flood control, public infrastructure, and transportation improvements. For more details about the CIF NOFA or assistance with your application, please contact Ms. Ausberry. For technical questions related to the NOFA, email sedap.cif@dra.gov with the subject line “CIF NOFA” and include the contact’s name, applicant organization, and phone number in the email body.
This program is funded in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden.
Click here for additional information about this program.
Capacity-Building Funding Opportunity
Strategic Planning Program
Communities across DRA’s eight-state region often face challenges due to limited capacity and resources for strategic planning. This program offers public entities access to funding for strategic planning efforts aimed at addressing long-standing issues and creating a roadmap for economic growth and opportunity. Applicants have the flexibility to apply for plans tailored to their community’s specific needs and challenges. Eligible plans may include, but are not limited to, economic development strategies, utility rate studies, transportation plans, workforce development initiatives, and broadband deployment plans.
Applicants are encouraged to reach out to DRA program staff for more information on submission requirements and for assistance with their application. For technical inquiries about the NOFA, please email strategy@dra.gov with the subject line “Strategic Planning Grant NOFA,” and include the contact’s name, applicant organization, and phone number in the body of your email.
Click here for additional information about this program.
2024 SEDAP Funding
Total Funds Available: $16,930,642
Grant Award Minimum: $50,000
Grant Award Maximum: $500,000
Funding Cycle Opens: March 26, 2024
Funding Cycle Closes: June 25, 2024
2025 CIF Funding
Total Funds Available: To Be Determined
Grant Award Minimum: $500,000
Grant Award Maximum: $2,000,000
Funding Cycle Opens: January 6, 2025
Funding Cycle Closes: Annual Rolling Cycle
2025 Strategic Planning Funding
Total Funds Available: Approx. $1.5 million
Grant Award Minimum: $25,000
Grant Award Maximum: $150,000
Funding Cycle Opens: January 8, 2025 (Winter Cycle)
Funding Cycle Closes: March 7, 2025 (Winter Cycle)
October 21, 2024 Press Release
Biden-Harris Administration Invests Over $4 Million into Louisiana Communities
The following projects received SEDAP funding in Northeast Louisiana:
Town of Waterproof was awarded more than $80,000 for a sewer improvement project that will replace the backup pumps inside of five sewer lift stations, providing additional capacity to meet usage demands from the town’s residents, businesses and detention center while also addressing regulations set by the Department of Environmental Quality.
City of West Monroe was awarded $509,000 to update and improve 770 feet of sewer infrastructure in Downtown West Monroe to help bolster the city’s growth, development and economic sustainability.
Ochsner LSU Health – Monroe Medical Center was awarded more than $304,000 to install a new electrical distribution system to improve the center’s electrical infrastructure, resulting in increased electrical reliability and capacity and expansion of community services.
Ouachita Parish was awarded more than $375,000 for an emergency operations center renovation project, a critical infrastructure project that will play a vital role in ensuring effective emergency management and response capabilities in the region.
Town of Marion was awarded nearly $454,000 to repair, rehabilitate and improve a 64-year-old sewer lift station to address poor conditions and health-code violations linked to the existing station and to provide and maintain adequate sewer service for residents.
Biden-Harris Administration Invests Over $25 Million in 25 Projects Across Delta Region
The following projects received CIF funding in Northeast Louisiana:
Town of Farmerville was awarded more than $1.4 million to make improvements to the water system serving the town and the largest employer in Union Parish to ensure an adequate and safe water supply for those who live and work in the area.
City of West Monroe was awarded nearly $871,000 for public infrastructure improvements to a prominent business street, within a commercial area, which is essential to the economic sustainability of the city.
Lake Providence Port Commission was awarded nearly $788,000 to support a railroad improvement project that will complete necessary construction to satisfy Federal Railroad Administration requirements and retain and expand existing businesses and industries and to attract new ones.
October 10, 2023 Press Release
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $3.3 Million Investment into Louisiana Communities
The following projects received SEDAP funding in Louisiana:
The NOVA Rural Workforce Development Program project in Monroe, Louisiana, has been awarded $105,000 to provide job training and employment-related education in public education institutions in Northeast Louisiana.
The Ochsner LSU New Helipad Construction project in Shreveport, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $355,000 to build a helipad adjacent to the hospital’s emergency room.
The Leonville Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project in Leonville, Louisiana, has been awarded $500,000 for various improvements to the town’s wastewater treatment facility.
The Town of Jonesboro Water Treatment Improvements project in Jonesboro, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $573,000 to provide a water well and treatment plant for the Town of Jonesboro.
The Madison Port Railcar Company Building Improvements project in Tallulah, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $487,000 for various improvements to the Madison Port Building.
The Economic Development Street Improvements – Gin Road Rehabilitation project in Rayville, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $356,000 to overlay a portion of Gin Road.
The Town of Sunset – Wastewater Treatment Facility Rehabilitation project in Sunset, Louisiana, has been awarded $500,000 to rehabilitate the Town of Sunset’s current wastewater treatment plant.
The Village of Grayson Painting of Elevated Tank project in Grayson, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $237,000 to repair and paint a 50,000-gallon elevated water storage tank.
The Earn and Learn to Advance Care: In-Hospital Pharmacy Tech Training project in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been awarded more than $222,000 to expand the Adult Rapid Reskill Program, which provides an accelerated certification and employment program within the healthcare industry.
September 29, 2022 Press Release
DRA Announces $4 Million Investment into Louisiana Projects
The following projects were funded by CIF:
Village of East Hodge Main Lift Station | East Hodge, LA: The Town of Hodge will use DRA funds to rehabilitate all existing lift stations within East Hodge. This investment is projected to affect 135 families.
DRA Investment: $362,777
Total Investment: $362,777
Lonewa Road Improvements | Monroe, LA: The Ouachita Parish Police Jury will use DRA funds to repair and widen a segment of Lonewa Road servicing the businesses located on that road and the assisted living and memory carte community under construction. This investment is projected to create 1 job and retain 1 job.
DRA Investment: $1,174,307
Total Investment: $1,565,743
Sterlington Access Road | Sterlington, LA: The Town of Sterlington will use DRA funds to construct a road that will provide access to 20 acres for economic growth. This investment is projected to create 2 jobs.
DRA Investment: $368,811
Total Investment: $436,311
Lift Station No. 4 Rehabilitation | Farmerville, LA: The Town of Farmerville will use DRA funds to repair, rehabilitate, and improve sewer lift station number four for the Town of Farmerville. This investment is projected to affect 1,222 families.
DRA Investment: $364,999
Total Investment: $417,999
The following projects were funded by SEDAP:
Village of Forest Water Line | Forest, LA: The Village of Forest will use DRA funds to replace water lines to eliminate a system failure. This investment is projected to affect 610 families.
DRA Investment: $293,212
Total Investment: $325,037
Infrastructure Improvements to Riverton Campground Road | Columbia, LA: The Columbia Port Commission will use DRA funds to improve Riverton Campground Road, a substandard two-lane asphalt road serving as the only access road for the Columbia Port Commission. This investment is projected to create 5 jobs and retain 5 jobs.
DRA Investment: $508,910
Total Investment: $2,363,610
Additional Capital Investment: $150,000
Patterson Street Pump Station Improvements | Jonesboro, LA: The Town of Jonesboro will use DRA funds to replace a deteriorated existing 83,000-gallon ground storage tank and to make pump station improvements at the Patterson Street Pump Station. This investment is projected to affect 1,600 families.
DRA Investment: $228,400
Total Investment: $319,900
318 Rural Industry Supplemental Enhancement Project (318 RISE) | Monroe, LA: The Workforce Development Board SDA-83, Inc. will use DRA funds to provide training for 20 new jobs converting diesel-powered trains, buses, and trolleys to electric thus developing a newly skilled green workforce for RailCar Co. in Madison Parish. This investment is projected to train 20 individuals.
DRA Investment: $291,397
Total Investment: $367,354
Springhill Water Distribution Upgrades | Springhill, LA: The City of Springhill will use DRA funds to replace the existing water main along Maple Street and a portion of 2nd St. NE and 3rd St. NE and replace three fire hydrants and three gate valves. This investment is projected to affect 18 families.
DRA Investment: $205,940
Total Investment: $255,940
Town of Wisner – Economic Development Street Improvements | Wisner, LA: The Town of Wisner will use DRA funds to rehabilitate 570 feet of Watson Street, which serves critical care facilities and reconstruct 760 feet of Maple Street, which serves retail businesses. This investment is projected to retain 258 jobs and affect 2,859 families.
DRA Investment: $276,142
Total Investment: $283,642
City of Tallulah – Dabney Street Rehabilitation | Tallulah, LA: The City of Tallulah will use DRA funds to place asphaltic concrete on Dabney Street from U.S. 65/S. Chestnut Street to Elm Street.
DRA Investment: $165,000
Total Investment: $183,050
Corney Water System, Inc. – Ground Storage Tank Replacement | Lillie, LA: Corney Water System, Inc. will use DRA funds to replace a ground storage tank that has out-served its useful life. This investment is projected to affect 83 families.
DRA Investment: $213,009
Total Investment: $246,009
Business Innovation Center | Monroe, LA: The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation will use DRA funds to develop the Business Innovation Center (BIC) business incubator.
DRA Investment: $144,343
Total Investment: $159,343
Northeast Louisiana Electrical Apprenticeship Rural Network | Monroe, LA: The Workforce Development Board SDA-83, Inc. will use DRA funds to expand apprenticeship opportunities for residents of Northeast Louisiana Delta communities to successfully navigate the workforce pipeline and into career placement. This investment is projected to train 20 individuals.
DRA Investment: $523,439
Total Investment: $734,672
February 23, 2022 Press Release
DRA Announces $6.8 Million Investment into Louisiana Communities
The following projects were funded by CIF:
Cypress Street Drainage Improvements | Monroe, La: The Ouachita Parish Police Jury will use DRA funds to replace a failed subsurface drainage pipe. This investment is projected to create 15 jobs and retain 15 jobs.
DRA Investment: $421,393
Total Investment: $468,217
Madison Parish Port Road | Tallulah, La: The Madison Parish Port Commission will use DRA funds to reconstruct and widen approximately 7,500 linear feet of an existing access road to the existing Mississippi River port. This investment is projected to create 11 jobs and retain 180 jobs.
DRA Investment: $1,297,868
Total Investment: $1,618,132
Cypress/Slack Sanitary Sewer Improvements | West Monroe, La: The City of West Monroe will use DRA funds to improve the sanitary sewer system in the Cypress/Slack Street area to eliminate blockages and overflows. This investment is projected to retain 15 jobs and affect 160 families.
DRA Investment: $398,954
Total Investment: $529,303
The following projects were funded by SEDAP:
Waterproof Wastewater Treatment Plant | Waterproof, LA: The Town of Waterproof will use DRA funds to assist at keeping the town free of standing sewer water and sanitizing the water output. This investment is projected to affect 270 families.
DRA Investment: $33,815
Total Investment: $33,815
Train the Trainer; Support of Louisiana Municipal Association | Monroe, LA: The University of Louisiana Monroe will use DRA funds to continue to identify cohorts in Northeast Louisiana whose activities would benefit from using unmanned aerial systems in their operations. This investment is projected to train 100 individuals.
DRA Investment: $112,575
Total Investment: $133,615
Hudson Well Transmission Main | Farmerville, LA: The Union Parish Waterworks District No. 1 will use DRA funds to provide for well modifications and construction of a transmission main from the District’s Hudson well to the Spillway Production and Treatment Facility. This investment is projected to affect 568 families.
DRA Investment: $300,000
Total Investment: $330,000
DBA Franklin Medical Center Capacity Expansion | Winnsboro, LA: Franklin Medical Center will use DRA funds to expand ICU, Lab, and Surgery to improve capacity for highly infectious patients, efficient testing, and appropriate overflow for emergent patients with infectious disease. This investment is projected to create five jobs and retain five jobs.
DRA Investment: $509,000
Total Investment: $3,227,929
Lift Station No. 6 Rehabilitation | Farmerville, LA: The Town of Farmerville will use DRA funds to repair, rehabilitate, and improve sewer lift station number 6. This investment is projected to affect 1,222 families.
DRA Investment: $256,500
Total Investment: $296,500
September 17, 2020 Press Release
DRA Announces $4.6 Million Investment into Louisiana Communities
The following projects were funded by CIF:
Tensas Water Distribution Association Waterline Relocation | Tensas, LA: The Tensas Water Distribution Association will use DRA funds to relocate an existing waterline which conflicts with a USACE levee improvement project. This investment is projected to affect 15 families.
DRA Investment: $222,401
Total Investment: $246,401
Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements – Hodge | Hodge, LA: The Village of North Hodge will use DRA funds to repair damage to the wastewater lagoon. This investment is projected to affect 155 families.
DRA Investment: $221,683
Total Investment: $221,683
The following projects were funded by SEDAP:
Village of Delta Economic Development Street Improvements | Delta, LA: The Village of Delta will use DRA funds to reconstruct portions of St. Charles Street, Ouachita Avenue, and 2nd Street for economic development and to improve services to residents and businesses. This investment is projected to retain 19 jobs.
DRA Investment: $222,000
Total Investment: $230,000
Highland Park Commercial Subdivision Infrastructure Improvements | West Monroe, LA: The City of West Monroe will use DRA funds to install water and sewer lines, install fire hydrants, and make street improvements for the development of the Highland Park Commercial and Residential Subdivision. This investment is projected to create 20 new jobs and affect 20 families.
DRA Investment: $714,512
Total Investment: $899,512
Air Handler Unit Replacement | Monroe, LA: St. Francis Medical Center will use DRA funds to replace ten critical care area air handler units to improve services to patients and decrease maintenance and operational costs.
DRA Investment: $300,000
Total Investment: $478,418
CommuniHealth Services | West Monroe, LA: Morehouse Community Medical Centers will use DRA funds to build a primary care medical home clinic that will provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services and improve services to residents. This investment is projected to create 12 jobs and train 18 individuals.
DRA Investment: $211,840
Total Investment: $668,840
