|
|
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves Elected as
2026 States’ Co-Chair
DRA is pleased to announce Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves as our 2026 States’ Co-Chair. Elected by the DRA Board of Governors, Reeves will work collaboratively with agency leadership to promote economic growth and development throughout the 255 counties and parishes in our eight-state service region.
“I want to thank the Delta Regional Authority Board of Governors for entrusting me to serve as 2026 States’ Co-Chair,” said Reeves. “From record-breaking private sector investment to nation-leading educational gains, Mississippi is experiencing unprecedented momentum. I’m excited to work with our federal and state partners to bring that same momentum to the eight states DRA serves.”
To read the full story, click here.
|
|
|
|
Green River Area Wellness Mission Begins June 11
The 2026 Green River Area Wellness Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Mission kicks off June 11 in Western Kentucky.
Led by the DRA, Air National Guard, Green River Area Development District and City of Henderson, the Green River Area IRT will provide basic medical, dental, optometry, hearing, mental health and other health care and veterinary services – at no cost – to residents of Henderson, Union and Webster counties and nearby communities. The IRT will offer care at three satellite locations from June 11-21. Click the links below to view more information about each site:
No residency or income requirements necessary to receive care.
|
|
|
|
Veazey Leads DRA as New Executive Director
Congratulations to DRA employee Laura Veazey for being tapped to lead the agency as our new Executive Director. In this role, Veazey will ensure the continuity of DRA’s work and operations in the absence of a Federal Co-Chair.
Veazey has served the DRA for more than two years, most recently as senior advisor, working directly with the Federal Co-Chair to provide strategic direction and leadership on regional initiatives and governmental affairs supporting the agency’s mission.
“I am grateful to DRA for their confidence in me to lead the important work of the agency,” said Veazey. “I am committed to the DRA mission and ensuring we continue to promote and encourage the economic development of communities within the 255 counties and parishes we serve.”
The Executive Director position is a new addition to the DRA, provided in the reauthorization of the agency’s enabling legislation. To view DRA’s enabling legislation, visit dra.gov/about/enabling-legislation/.
|
|
|
|
DRA Joins Natchez Workforce Development for Graduation Celebration
DRA team members Cheyton Pendley and Sea Talantis recently joined the Natchez Workforce Development in Natchez, Mississippi, for a graduation ceremony honoring graduates of the Building Trades Initiative, a certification program offering workforce training and skilled trades education across Natchez and Adams County.
Since launching the program in March 2025, the initiative has trained 81 participants and awarded 382 industry-recognized certifications through programs designed to prepare individuals for careers in high-demand trades.
As part of the program’s latest milestone, 16 additional participants completed Electrical Level IV training through the Cohort II class, bringing the total number of Electrical Level IV graduates to 34.
|
|
|
As part of our “Investing in the Delta” series, DRA will be highlighting special projects from across the region making huge impacts for the residents and communities within our 255 counties and parishes.
In this edition of “Investing in the Delta,” check out this million-dollar investment in West Plains, Missouri, for an overpass construction project designed to improve transportation and connectivity for city residents and businesses.
Have a DRA-funded project your community would like to spotlight? Share it with us at communications@dra.gov.
|
|
|
|
DRA Attends Community Forum in Louisiana
In April, members of DRA’s Critical Infrastructure team attended the Northeast Louisiana Community Forum in Monroe, La.
Hosted by the North Delta Regional Planning and Development District, Amanda Allen, Tamiya Howard and Darci Malam were invited to present at the event to inform community representatives about funding opportunities available at the DRA.
|
|
|
|
2026 DLI Class Takes on Louisiana
In April, the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) gathered in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana, for the second session of the executive leadership academy. The 2026 fellows made several stops along the Ouachita and Richland parishes, including a visit to the Black Bear Golf Club, an economic development recreational site located in Delhi, La., and a visit with Dr. Carrie Castille, President of the University of Louisiana Monroe.
The week offered fellows an opportunity to see first-hand the progress being made in the communities within the DRA service region, as well as time to connect and engage with DLI alums in the area. This month, the cohort gathers in Washington, D.C. to continue their monthly sessions.
|
|
|
|
DRA Provides LDD Training in Louisiana
Critical Infrastructure team members Darci Malam and Amy Smith visited Louisiana to hold an in-person training for the Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) and the Kisatchie-Delta Regional Planning and Development District.
Hosted by the APC, the training provided Local Development District staff members guidance on how to apply and administer DRA’s critical infrastructure and human infrastructure programs.
|
|
|
|
States’ Economic Development Assistance Program
More than $16 million is available through the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program, DRA’s main investment tool targeting projects addressing basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, in addition to workforce and business development needs for communities within DRA’s 255 counties and parishes. For more information on how to apply, visit States’ Economic Development Assistance Program – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).
Applications Deadline: July 31, 2026
|
|
|
|
Community Infrastructure Fund
Approximately $15 million is available through the Community Infrastructure Fund, one of DRA’s primary investment tools that support critical infrastructure projects addressing basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and flood control needs in communities throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. For more information on how to apply, visit Community Infrastructure Fund – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).
Applications Deadline: August 24, 2026
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- Green River Area Innovative Readiness Training Mission – June 11 – 21
- Buffalo River Innovative Readiness Training Mission – July 16 – 24
- States’ Economic Development Assistance Program Application Deadline – July 31
- Community Infrastructure Fund Application Deadline – Aug. 24
|
|
|
|
|
