Overview
Created in December 2000, the Delta Regional Authority encourages the development of new jobs and basic improvements to enhance quality of life. The DRA’s formula for strengthening economies is to improve education, infrastructure, transportation and businesses with an emphasis on private enterprise. ADECA oversees the program in Alabama and works with local, state and regional agencies to implement program goals.
The DRA serves 252 counties and parishes in eight states, including 20 counties in Alabama. The Alabama counties in the DRA include Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Russell, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox.
Each of the member counties in Alabama has been defined as a “distressed county,” where the unemployment rate is greater than the national average, a substantial loss in population has occurred, a major industry or business has closed, or a major disaster or emergency has been experienced. At least 75 percent of the total funds allocated to the authority are invested in distressed counties and half of those funds must be earmarked for transportation and infrastructure improvements. Projects that have a regional impact receive special priority.
The DRA supports job creation and economic development through innovative approaches to growing local and regional leadership, increasing access to quality healthcare, and boosting opportunities for entrepreneurs to obtain affordable capital.
The grant applications are submitted to DRA directly, reviewed and recommended jointly by DRA and the State, awarded by DRA, and managed by the DRA staff.
The Local Development Districts (LDDs) are our local partners and are an active and essential part of the DRA partnership. There are six LDDs in Alabama’s Delta Region, and each LDD operates under a Board of Directors composed of elected representatives from the various local governments.
News
DRA Announces $9.7 Million Available for Disaster Recovery Relief
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is making approximately $9.7 million in funding available through its new Supplemental Disaster Recovery Funding (SDRF) program, an addendum to the 2025 Community Infrastructure Fund, which supports economic and community development needs throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.
Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy
Applications for the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) 2026 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy are now open. An extensive nine-month leadership development program, DLI brings together public, private and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt regions. Fellows are selected through a competitive application process led by DRA’s board of governors and federal co-chairman.
Strategic Planning Program
Second-round applications are now open for the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) 2025 Strategic Planning Program, a funding opportunity providing communities within DRA’s eight-state service region with the necessary resources to develop strategies that identify gaps in infrastructure, workforce development, and small business development and entrepreneurship.
Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF)
Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) investments support projects that address flood control, basic public infrastructure, and transportation infrastructure improvements.
Contact
Crystal G. Talley
Federal Initiatives and Recreation Division Chief
(334) 353-2630
Cleandra Jones
Federal Initiatives Supervisor
(334) 353-2909
