CONFERENCE TO EXPLAIN FEDERAL PROGRAMS

Southeast Missouri State University will host a conference aimed at educating Mississippi Delta officials and residents about new federal grant money available to them.

It is from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. today in the University Center ballroom and was organized in cooperation with state Rep. Danny Merideth, D-Caruthersville. Speakers will explain the full impact of the newly formed Delta Regional Authority, its control over $20 million in grant money and how it can help the 29 Missouri counties considered part of the Delta.

Art Wallhausen, assistant to university president Ken Dobbins, said Southeast coordinated the event because the university serves most of the 29 counties.

"We have been asked by members of the General Assembly to host a conference that would let people in the area know about the new legislation and what the opportunities may be," he said.

Participants were invited through the university and their local government officials.