Three Sunflower County projects have received funds from the Delta Regional Authority as part of an overall $4.4 million investment into Mississippi’s economy and infrastructure.
According to a release by DRA last week, the organization, along with Gov. Phil Bryant, announced that 16 total projects would receive the funding that should support public and private partnerships aimed at bringing a total of $24.3 million in investments to the state.
"These projects will address vital needs in our Delta communities,” said Gov. Bryant. “They will upgrade infrastructure, improve quality of life and promote economic development. I am grateful to Sen. Cochran, Sen. Wicker and the Delta Regional Authority for making them a reality."
Here’s a look at the three Sunflower County projects:
City of Indianola
B.B. King Museum Expansion. DRA Investment: $256,500. Total Investment: $814,554. This expansion will add about 4,350 square feet of space to the museum to complete the story of B. B. King. It will house the vehicles, a tour bus and car that came to the museum following his death. These items highlight King’s success and increase economic development opportunities in the area.
City of Moorhead
Workforce Development and Training. DRA Investment: $150,450. Total Investment: $425,450. Mississippi Delta Community College will use DRA funds to add a new building that will include a classroom, four lab stations, restrooms and an office. This building will be the primary classroom facility for a lineman training workforce development initiative. The long-term outcome of this project will deliver a continuous supply of trained linemen available to step in and move up as aging linemen retire.
Town of Inverness
Fire Station Improvements. DRA Investment: $392,850 (100 percent). The town will use DRA funds to build its first fire station. The fire department today shares space with the public works department. This project will separate the two so that they can both operate more efficiently and better serve the citizens of the town and surrounding area.
“The Delta Regional Authority continues to be a sound investment for struggling communities across the Mississippi Delta,” said U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson. “DRA’s investment undoubtedly will aid in the economic and infrastructure growth of the Delta.”
DRA Alternate Federal Co-Chairman Pete Kinder said these projects are supported because they help communities like Indianola better compete for jobs as well as making life better for citizens.
“DRA investments will support infrastructure improvements to increase community competitiveness, strengthen workforce training, protect jobs and deliver clean and safe drinking water to Mississippi communities,” said Kinder. “These projects will help create jobs, build communities, and improve lives across the Mississippi Delta region. This effort highlights DRA’s ability to build public-private partnerships to invest in the future of the Delta.”
