The Delta Regional Authority at 10 years

The Delta Regional Authority has a lot to celebrate this holiday season. Today marks the ten-year anniversary of the federal-state partnership representing an eight-state region comprised of 252 counties and parishes, 29 of which are in Southeast Missouri. Missouri has always been active in the Delta Regional Authority, but stands to make an even greater impact now with Governor Nixon serving as the states' co-chair.

The DRA seeks to capitalize on progress made during our first decade to revitalize the Delta region. Our plans include: (1) increasing our involvement with state economic development strategies; (2) committing to shortening the timeline for funding decisions to complete projects; (3) delivering real-time responses to state economic development projects; and (4) producing better project development through community interaction and communication.

When President Clinton enacted the DRA in 2000, he enjoyed bipartisan support from members of Congress who understood that the Delta is stronger when we address challenges together as opposed to individually. The DRA was created to level the playing field for the region, boosting our ability to compete for economic development.

The Delta faces huge obstacles. Our communities struggle with undeveloped infrastructure systems, insufficient transportation options, inadequate education systems, out-migration, a lack of access to health care and the need for work-force development and employment opportunities. We have our work cut out for us, but progress is on our side.

Over the past 10 years, the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority and other Missouri projects benefited from DRA grants. The Delta Regional Authority has invested nearly $86.2 million into more than 600 projects throughout the region, leveraging $1.4 billion in private-sector investment, for an overall 22 to one return on taxpayer dollars. The DRA is also working to bring new water and/or sewer services to more than 58,000 families in the Delta. Together with our partners, the DRA is creating and/or retaining nearly 34,000 jobs.

Job creation will be a focus moving forward. We are determined to spur small business development and entrepreneurship. Southeast Missouri State University and other regional programs are helping us to develop a small business initiative.

In Missouri, the DRA is also continuing to facilitate work with Illinois and Kentucky on highway infrastructure projects.

We have come a long way over the past decade. We are convinced that we are well-poised to bring new investments and opportunities to Missouri and the Delta region over the next 10 years.

Chris Masingill is the federal co-chairman and Michael Marshall is the alternate co-chair for the Delta Regional Authority.