Delta Regional Authority Opens 2020 Application Cycle for Economic Development Opportunities

The 2020 States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) application cycle opens March 2, 2020 and closes May 31, 2020.

CLARKSDALE, MS—The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell announced today DRA is opening the 2020 application cycle for the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP). SEDAP, which provides direct investments into community-based and regional projects that address the DRA’s congressionally mandated four funding priorities, is the main investment tool used by the DRA. All necessary information for application consideration can be found in the 2020 SEDAP Manual.

Organizations and communities can apply online at funding.dra.gov. The deadline to submit applications is May 31, 2020, and funds are available to DRA’s footprint of 252 counties and parishes in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

“DRA funding provides community and regional investments focusing on our priorities of basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, workforce development, and small business development and entrepreneurship,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell. “We have seen firsthand the positive impact these economic development investments bring to Delta communities and are excited to continue strengthening our communities through these investments in 2020.”

Communities and organizations are encouraged to work with their Local Development District (LDD) offices to prepare and submit applications to the DRA.

Information on state-specific funding allocations, funding program eligibility requirements, guidelines, and contact information for local development districts are available here.

About the Delta Regional Authority

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to promote and encourage the economic development of the lower Mississippi River Delta region and Alabama Black Belt. DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic public infrastructure, workforce training, and business development. DRA’s mission is to help create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state region.