Delta Regional Authority (DRA) has announced the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) has announced the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) 2019 application cycle for projects. Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (CAPDD) is the front-line project manager and administrator for DRA in the three (3) distressed and eligible counties in Central Arkansas: Lonoke, Monroe and Prairie, as well as any non-distressed DRA counties.

While priority is given to distressed counties, all counties within the DRA’s footprint are eligible to apply for SEDAP funding. DRA counties are listed at dra.gov. CAPDD is charged with the responsibility of providing technical and application assistance for the DRA 2019 SEDAP applicants in the funding process.

The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program may be used to fund projects for basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development including entrepreneurship, and workforce development and training. Projects must be located in the 252 counties and parishes served by the Delta Regional Authority. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate innovation and small business focus, a regional approach, multiple funding partners, and emergency need.

Counties, cities and non-profit agencies within Lonoke, Monroe, and Prairie Counties and applicants within non-distressed DRA counties interested in submitting an application to the Delta Regional Authority are encouraged to contact Conya Spencer regarding eligibility and grant assistance at 501-676-2721 or conya.spencer@capdd.org.

The process for application submission is through a web-based electronic application that can be found at https://dra.gov/funding-programs/investing-in-the-delta/. All applications must be submitted to CAPDD through this website by Friday, May 31, 2019.

Applications are reviewed in order received and will be grouped into Tier 1 (a,b,c), Tier 2 and “not eligible” categories based on the priority criteria met.

For more information, the DRA 2019 SEDAP Administrative Program Manual and Eligibility Clarification Notes are available at dra.gov/funding-programs.