2016 DRA Year in Review by Delta Regional Authority

Delta Regional Authority 2016 Year in Review

Creating Jobs • Building Communities • Improving Lives ALABAMA • ARKANSAS • ILLINOIS • KENTUCKY • LOUISIANA • MISSISSIPPI • MISSOURI • TENNESSEE

February 24, 2017 As the Delta Regional Authority looks forward to 2017 and our efforts to develop our regional workforce pipelines, build an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and invest in our region’s infrastructure, I would like to reflect on the many things DRA accomplished over the past year. Through our many programs and policy initiatives, we are supporting the region’s growth in jobs and economic opportunities. We saw many accomplishments this past year. In 2016, DRA presented its third Regional Development Plan (RDP III) as an assessment of, and a response to, the region’s myriad opportunities, assets, and challenges. In collaboration with stakeholders and community leaders across the region, this plan identified three guiding principles that will shape our work moving forward: improving workforce competitiveness, strengthening infrastructure, and increasing community capacity. Our many programs saw increased participation in 2016. The Delta Entrepreneurship Network completed its second fellowship and took 30 entrepreneurs and support organizations to New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, where they met investors, mentors, and entrepreneurs from across the region and country. We hosted military reservists for three Innovative Readiness Training medical clinics, bringing medical, dental, and optical care to the communities—at no cost to the participants—and reached more than 14,000 patients. In 2016, we saw the launch of DeltaCorps: a program of AmeriCorps and the Delta Regional Authority, with 51 DeltaCorps members placed in communities across three states to provide direct service to nine organizations. DRA did all of this while strengthening our federal partnerships through joint funding programs for Delta communities, placing needed physicians in medically underserved areas, expanding programming for organizations such as Jobs for America’s Graduates, and maintaining an efficient and transparent administrative structure. We introduced technical assistance to support economic development by placing Regional Economic and Community Development Officers throughout the Delta region who directly support communities by helping to identify and expand capacity in support of local and regional development projects. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I encourage you to read more in our 2016 Year in Review, which serves as our Annual Report to Congress. We now look forward to an exciting new year during which we will continue our work to support job creation, build communities, and improve lives in the Delta region. Thank you for your continued work and support in our region. Without your commitment and assistance, none of what we do would be possible. I look forward to continuing to work with you in the coming year. Sincerely,

Christopher A. Masingill

February 24, 2017 It has been my honor to serve as the Delta Regional Authority State Co-Chair for three years, and in that role, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of DRA on the economic growth and stability of the Delta region. From workforce development initiatives to infrastructure improvements to leadership development, DRA has helped to create jobs, build communities, and improve lives through strategic investments in economic development in 252 counties and parishes across eight states. I have heard the stories and seen the results, including young people’s lives changed by the DRA’s investment in Jobs for America’s Graduates. The Delta Regional Authority is a federal-state partnership which means we work together to align policy initiatives and priorities. Because of the partnership approach, DRA can identify innovative cross-agency initiatives and serve as a strategic investment partner. Within this framework of shared decision-making, each state adapts and designs programs to meet the needs at the local level. I have been proud to serve as co-chair and look forward to my continued involvement as a member of the Board of Governors. I encourage you to study the review of DRA’s activities in 2016. I think you will be inspired and encouraged by this work and the states’ commitment to the entire Delta region.

Sincerely,

Phil Bryant Governor

Table of Contents

ABOUT THE DRA 6 ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION 7 BOARD OF GOVERNORS 8 DESIGNEES & ALTERNATES 9 DRA SERVICE AREA 10 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN III 11 DRA STRATEGIC GOALS 12 DRA GUIDING PRINCIPLES 13 INVESTING IN THE DELTA 14 SEDAP/CIF/RCAP/PWEAA INVESTMENTS 15 DRA INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS 16 SEDAP INVESTMENT MAP 17 ALABAMA INVESTMENTS 18- 19 ARKANSAS INVESTMENTS 20- 21 ILLINOIS INVESTMENTS 22- 23 KENTUCKY INVESTMENTS 24- 25 LOUISIANA INVESTMENTS 26- 27 MISSISSIPPI INVESTMENTS 28- 29 MISSOURI INVESTMENTS 30- 31 TENNESSEE INVESTMENTS 32- 33 DRA PROGRAMS 34 REGIONAL ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS 35 DELTA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 36 DELTA LEADERSHIP NETWORK 37 DELTACORPS 38 ECONOMICALLY COMPETITIVE & RESILENT COMMUNITIES 39 DELTA ENTREPRENEUERSHIP NETWORK 40 HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES ENTREPRENEURS 41 REIMAGINING THE DELTA WORKFORCE 42 JOBS FOR AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GRADUATES & ACT 43 INNOVATIVE READINESS TRAINING 44- 46 DELTA DOCTORS 47 SUPPORTING TOURISM IN THE DELTA 48 DELTA SKY MAGAZINE 49 OPERATION HOPE | HOPE ENTERPRISE 50 FEDERAL PRIORITIES & INITIATIVES 51 WHITE HOUSE RURAL COUNCIL 52 LOCAL FOODS, LOCAL PLACES 53 SUMMER OPPORTUNITY PROJECT 54 INVESTING IN MANUFACTURING COMMUNITIES PARTNERSHIP 55 WHITE HOUSE COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS 56 ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS 57 MONITORING & COMPLIANCE 58 ACCOUNTABILTY & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE 59 COMMUNICATIONS 60- 61 APPENDIX A: FY16 DISTRESSED/NON-DISTRESSED COUNTIES & PARISHES 62- 63 APPENDIX B: FY16 PROJECT SUMMARIES 64- 72 APPENDIX C: INVESTMENT DATA 73

About the Delta Regional Authority

About this Publication

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in the “Delta Regional Authority Act of 2000” that serves 252 counties and parishes an eight state region: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. DRA operates as a federal-state partnership and works with its local development districts by utilizing market-proven processes to improve economic outcomes and enhance the quality of life for the people in its region. DRA makes strategic investments into economic and community development to support opportunities for Delta communities, businesses, and families.

This publication serves as the Delta Regional Authority’s Annual Report and highlights the accomplishments of the Agency’s strategic investments and priority programs of the past year. In FY 2016, DRA continued programs that support economic development activities, workforce and business development, and entrepreneurship, but also carried out new and important ventures such as the addition of Regional Economic and Community Development Officers (RDOs), DeltaCorps, and the Leading Economically Competitive and Resilient Communities (ECRC) program. These initiatives were designed with the goal of helping advance our local economies and giving the people of our region the opportunity to grow and thrive. Under the leadership of Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill and Alternate Federal Co-Chairman Mike Marshall, and working with States’ Co-Chairman Governor Phil Bryant and its Board of Governors, DRA continues to support the communities, businesses, and people of the Mississippi River Delta region and Alabama Black Belt.

Designees & Alternates Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill

Governor of Alabama Kay Ivey* Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Co-Chairman

Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson

Alternate Federal Co-Chairman Mike Marshall

Governor of Illinois Bruce Rauner

Governor of Kentucky Matt Bevin

ALABAMA Kelly Chasteen, Alternate kelly.chasteen@adeca.alabama.gov

LOUISIANA Leslie Durham, Designee & Alternate leslie.durham@la.gov

ARKANSAS Amy Fecher, Designee & Alternate afecher@arkansasedc.com

MISSISSIPPI Alice Perry, Designee alice.perry@governor.ms.gov

ILLINOIS Vic Narusis, Designee vic.narusis@illinois.gov

Bobby Morgan, Alternate bobby.morgan@governor.ms.gov

Kim Watson, Alternate kim.watson@illinois.gov

MISSOURI Caleb Jones, Designee caleb.jones@governor.mo.gov

KENTUCKY Sandra Dunahoo, Designee & Alternate sandra.dunahoo@ky.gov

TENNESSEE Ted Townsend, Designee ted.townsend@tn.gov Brooxie Carlton, Alternate brooxie.carlton@tn.gov

Governor of Louisiana John Bel Edwards

Governor of Mississippi Phil Bryant

Governor of Missouri Eric Greitens**

Governor of Tennessee Bill Haslam

Delta Regional Authority Board of Governors *During 2016, Governor Robert Bentley served on the DRA Board of Governors for the State of Alabama. ** During 2016, Governor Jay Nixon served on the DRA Board of Governors for the State of Missouri.

8 9

DRA Service Area

DRA’s Regional Development Plan III DRA presented its third Regional Development Plan (RDP III) as an assessment of, and a response to, the region’s myriad opportunities, assets, and challenges. In collaboration with stakeholders and community leaders across the region, through a series of facilitated listening sessions and virtual webinars, this plan serves to update the agency’s Regional Development Plan II (RDP II), originally adopted in 2008. RDP III (published in 2016) sets forth revised goals that will drive DRA’s work over the next five years, building on the successes of many of DRA’s existing programs and setting new goals for the future. Specifically, the plan was presented in three sections, which expand upon the three foundational goals of the RDP II 1) Improved Workforce Competitiveness, 2) Strengthened Infrastructure, and 3) Increased Community Capacity. These goals encompass the mission and priorities DRA will promote for Delta residents, businesses, and communities. The RDP III is a response to the serious challenges facing the Delta region. While this plan builds upon the strong foundation established in the RDP II, it also expands the scope of DRA’s current activities. First and foremost, DRA will need to continue—and scale—many of its signature programs and initiatives that have proven valuable to the region’s economy. Additionally, the RDP III lays the groundwork for a set of bold new strategies to create lasting economic opportunities for Delta residents, businesses, and communities. Over the next five years, DRA’s work will be driven by the imperative of a holistic, yet place-based approach – one that honors the region’s diversity by strategically developing programs that are regional in scope, yet customizable for individual communities. DRA will not adopt a “one-size-fits-all” strategy; instead, it will invest in the region’s diverse places and each of their comparative advantages. Most importantly, DRA will be intentional and inclusive in every program and collaboration. DRA will meet communities where they are as the first step in moving forward, working with them to develop inclusive economies across all sectors and for all people. VISION The Delta region is a place where people and businesses have access to economic opportunities in vibrant, sustainable, and resilient communities. MISSION The Delta Regional Authority will advance its communities through the practical application of innovative ideas and strategies that foster inclusive communities, strengthen regional collaboration and capacity, achieve sustained, long-term economic development and produce meaningful opportunities for all the Delta people. STRATEGIC GOALS Three goals form the foundation of the RDP III and focus DRA’s efforts on programs, investments, and initiatives that will enhance the Delta region’s long-term economic prosperity. The plan is organized around the following three goals with strategies and action items to support the goals: Goal 1: Improved Workforce Competitiveness Goal 2: Strengthened Infrastructure Goal 3: Increased Community Capacity MANAGEMENT GOAL Maintain organizational excellence and efficiency, invest in professional development, encourage innovation, and continue to be an effective steward of public funds.

DRA’s Strategic Goals

DRA’s Guiding Principles

GOAL 1: IMPROVED WORKFORCE COMPETITIVENESS Advance the productivity and economic competitiveness of the Delta workforce.

In order to achieve these goals, DRA recognizes the following guiding principles as model characteristics of successful communities. These guiding principles are the necessary bridge between the three strategic goals and the key strategies and actions DRA will utilize to achieve its goals for the region. Each guiding principle is forward-looking and is a necessary component of the region’s long-term growth and improvement.

Access to a skilled workforce is a crucial factor affecting the ability of businesses to succeed in today’s economy, thus employers are notably drawn to locations with concentrations of skilled workers. As national demographic trends project a decline in the working-age population over the coming decades, employers will increasingly have difficulties finding skilled workers. Thus one of the most urgent priorities for communities across the country is to develop a pipeline of talented workers to support the growth of existing and future employers. This is especially true for communities in the Delta region as they compete for businesses, jobs, and economic opportunities. GOAL 2: STRENGTHENED INFRASTRUCTURE Strengthen the Delta’s physical, digital, and capital connections to the global economy. High-functioning transportation networks and basic infrastructure (e.g. water, wastewater, electricity, and natural gas, and affordable broadband internet) are essential for the long-term success of resilient regional economies. While it will be important to maintain the Delta region’s existing infrastructure, there are also opportunities to make strategic investments in transportation and broadband infrastructure that will boost the region’s economic potential. It is also necessary for communities to have the appropriate real estate options and financing available to attract new businesses and take advantage of the economic development opportunities available to them.

1. COLLABORATION The DRA will continue to serve as a facilitator of regional collaboration, leveraging diverse resources, aligning public and private interests, and strengthening local and regional partnerships. 2. INNOVATION The DRA will encourage the utilization of innovative economic development strategies and place-based programs to address the region’s challenges, build resilient communities, and turn opportunities into action. 3. LEADERSHIP The DRA will support the development and preparedness of local leaders to implement existing models of success and to engage broadly across regional, national, and global networks.

GOAL 3: INCREASED COMMUNITY CAPACITY Facilitate local capacity building within Delta communities, organizations, and businesses. Strong local leadership in Delta communities is a prerequisite for the capacity building that will yield longterm economic prosperity for the region’s businesses and residents. Competitive and resilient communities are able to attract new jobs and investment and keep those jobs thanks in large part to their high level of engagement from community and business leaders. The development of a robust entrepreneurial environment is also important to the long-term success of the region. Entrepreneurs, innovative companies, creative workers, and technology are key elements of the regional economy. Finally, the quality of place in Delta communities has a major influence on their potential for economic development, providing an attractive environment that appeals to young professionals.

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP)

Investing in the Delta

The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) is the Delta Regional Authority’s primary investment program. Since 2002, DRA has leveraged nearly $163 million of its own appropriation with more than $3.3 billion in other public and private sector dollars. These investments are helping to create and retain more than 37,000 jobs, train more than 7,000 individuals, and provide more than 66,000 families with access to improved water and sewer services. SEDAP investments make a substantial and solid impact in each of the eight states represented in the Delta region. These SEDAP investments are subject to Federal Priority Eligibility Criteria and must help to improve: • Basic public infrastructure; • Transportation infrastructure; • Business development, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship; and • Workforce development. At least 50 percent of SEDAP investments are required to be allocated towards transportation improvements and basic public infrastructure projects. Additionally, at least 75 percent of all SEDAP investments must be made in counties and parishes that are deemed to be distressed.

Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF)

In FY 2016, DRA launched the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) to invest an additional $10 million in projects addressing flood control, basic public infrastructure, and local transportation improvements that provide local and regional value to Delta communities. CIF provides an opportunity for DRA to make even more investments into local infrastructure projects that directly impact immediate community needs and economic development prospects.

Rural Communities Advancement Program (RCAP)

Through a joint federal program with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, DRA makes strategic investments in programs targeting rural communities through the Rural Communities Advancement Program (RCAP). Over the years, RCAP has helped to support numerous programs and initiatives that directly support and build capacity of rural residents and leaders to enhance their community’s economic opportunities. This funding is directed to communities and counties with a population of 50,000 or less in an effort to address the complexity of rural needs through innovative approaches to economic and community development.

EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (PW-EAA) Program

As a part of the FY 2016 appropriations process, the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) made $3 million of its 2016 “Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance” (PW-EAA) program available to the Delta Regional Authority. This funding program is used to “advance economic growth by assisting communities and regions experiencing chronic high unemployment and low per capita income to create an environment that fosters innovation, promotes entrepreneurship, and attracts increased private capital investment.”

DRA Regional Development Goals Alignment

SEDAP, CIF, RCAP, and PW-EAA investments represent many of the focus areas and key actions identified to meet each of the three strategic goals outlined in DRA’s Regional Development Plan III. For example, two of the identified focus areas under “Goal 2: Strengthened Infrastructure” includes “basic [public] infrastructure (water, wastewater, electricity, and gas)” and “transportation infrastructure (highways, rail, water-based transport, and air travel),” both coinciding directly with one of the goal’s key actions set to “emphasize infrastructure investments that will attract largescale private investment.” DRA prioritizes investments for basic public infrastructure and transportation improvements not only because of the federal guidance it receives, but also because it recognizes that these strategic investments are necessary to elevate the region’s workforce, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, and will ultimately move the Delta region forward.

DRA Investment Highlights

Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP)

Strategic Investments

Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill and EDA Deputy Assistant Secretary Matt Erskine tour Brown Precision, Inc. in Atmore, Alabama.

"DRA is a critical partner with states to help grow and improve the economy and quality of life for the 10 million people who live in the Delta region." - Governor Kay Ivey, State of Alabama

Strategic Investments

Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill joins Governor Asa Hutchinson to announce nearly $4 million of DRA investment in projects supporting basic public infrastructure, workforce development training, and transportation improvements.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am pleased that Arkansas has been able to partner with the Delta Regional Authority and local and regional partners to continue to invest in improving infrastructure and spurring economic development in the region.â&#x20AC;? - Governor Asa Hutchinson, State of Arkansas

Strategic Investments

Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill joins Governor Bruce Rauner with state and local leaders to announce more than $1 million of DRA investment in projects supporting infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and flood control.

"Illinois has the best location and the best workforce of any other state in the nation. Our innovators and entrepreneurs are pushing Illinois' economy forward. Investments like this will help spur growth and innovation for southern Illinois and throughout our state. We hope that through projects like this, more businesses can grow and create a more competitive economy here in Illinois." - Governor Bruce Rauner, State of Illinois

Strategic Investments "We are truly grateful for the continued investment from the DRA into west Kentucky's infrastructure and critical care facilities. Each project encourages further community development and revitalization, and will foster economic opportunity for years to come." - Governor Matt Bevin, Commonwealth of Kentucky

Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill and Alternate Federal CoChairman Mike Marshall pictured with Governor Matt Bevin at the 2016 Governors Quorum Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Strategic Investments

Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill joins Governor John Bel Edwards, Designee Leslie Durham, and state and local partners to announce more than $3.1 million of DRA investment in projects supporting flood control, basic public infrastructure, and workforce development.

"These resources will help create and retain hundreds of jobs, make basic and much needed infrastructure repairs to provide safe and clean drinking water and sewer services to thousands of households, and ultimately brighten the economic future for some of the most vulnerable communities in our state. This is one of the best examples of how public-private partnerships can be used to improve the lives of our people, and I am excited to partner with DRA to bring this assistance to the people of Louisiana." - Governor John Bel Edwards, State of Louisiana

Strategic Investments

Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill joins Governor Phil Bryant to announce nearly $6.7 million of DRA investment in projects supporting basic public infrastructure and transportation improvements.

"These projects will address vital needs in our Delta communities. They will upgrade infrastructure, improve quality of life and promote economic development. I am grateful to Senator Cochran, Senator Wicker and the Delta Regional Authority for making them a reality." - Governor Phil Bryant, State of Mississippi

Strategic Investments

Governor Jay Nixon pictured with Designee Bill Ransdall at the 2016 Governors Quorum Meeting in Washington, D.C.

"These investments will be a boost to many communities across southeast Missouri, including helping to improve and increase access to rural healthcare for many Missouri families. As a former states' Co-Chairman for the Delta Regional Authority, I appreciate the DRA's continued commitment to creating jobs, strengthening infrastructure and serving communities in rural Missouri." - Governor Jay Nixon, State of Missouri

Strategic Investments â&#x20AC;&#x153;These funds will help empower communities to improve and grow, expanding services and programs to create more economic development opportunities, and leading us one step closer to our goal of making Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs,â&#x20AC;? - Governor Bill Haslam, State of Tennessee

Governor Bill Haslam pictured with Designee Ted Townsend at the 2016 Governors Quorum Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Empowering Delta Leadership Regional Economic and Community Development Officers Beginning in Spring 2016, DRA introduced four Regional Economic and Community Development Officers (RDOs) to serve as project developers between DRA and local, state, and federal stakeholders. RDOs are based throughout the Delta region and directly support communities by helping to identify and fill capacity needs in support of local and regional development efforts. Each RDO maintains a rigorous schedule of community engagements all across the DRA footprint. Since their establishment, RDOs have worked vigorously to form, connect, and expand regional networks of community stakeholders with elected officials and other government representatives at the federal, state, and local levels to build coalitions, encourage collaborations, and form partnerships necessary to identify and solve complex economic challenges. Each RDO goes through extensive training covering in topics such as economic development and disaster recovery. In 2016, RDOs assisted communities on special projects and collaborative efforts focused on a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to: Economic Development, Infrastructure, Health, Education, Agriculture, Place-Based Community Development, and Disaster Recovery. In 2017, DRA will have five Regional Economic and Community Development Officers strategically placed throughout the Delta region and Alabama Black Belt to better serve its stakeholders.

This map indicates the territory served by each Regional Economic and Community Development Officer. To connect with your Regional Economic and Community Development Officer, please visit dra.gov.

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

DRA Programs 34

With more than 40,000 miles traveled and 140 community site visits in 2016, the Regional Economic and Community Development Officers (RDOs) directly support DRA’s third Regional Development Goal to increase community capacity. In its Regional Development Plan III, DRA has committed to “[developing] new strategic initiatives and [continuing] existing programs that build capacity among local leaders,” spurring the establishment of the Agency’s RDOs. RDOs will continue to provide technical assistance, subject matter expertise, and regional perspective to communities and connect them to DRA programming to better serve stakeholders residing in the Delta region.

Empowering Delta Leadership Delta Leadership Institute

Founded in 2005, the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) is a body of local community leaders who participate in a year-long Executive Academy program designed to provide professional leadership development and policy training in the issues most challenging to Delta communities. The Executive Academy held six sessions over the course of 2015-2016 that focused on transportation and infrastructure, public health and education, small business and entrepreneurship, culture and tourism, and public policy and governance - concluding with a graduation session to “bring it all together.” Data collected following each meeting ensures that the training and experience are tailored to the needs of the cohort, and provides DRA the necessary feedback to improve the executive academy. DLI relies on the administrative, programming, and curricular support from a consortium of three university partners: Arkansas State University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

The 2015-2016 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy visits the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. to discuss public policy updates from the White House Rural Council and Senior Advisors to President Obama.

Certifications

Harvard Kennedy School | Authentic Leadership Development VitalSmarts | Crucial Conversations VitalSmarts | Crucial Accountability

Specialized Training Cooperative Consultancy Cultural Compentency

The 2015-2016 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy visits the Selma Interpretive Center during their session on Culture and Tourism in the Alabama Black Belt.

Delta Leadership Network

In an effort to foster and strengthen cross-cultural and intergovernmental bonds throughout the region, the Delta Leadership Network (DLN), commonly known as the DLI alumni group, provides its members with a platform for continued professional development, communication, and collaboration. With more than 450 alumni, the DLN commits time, talent, service, and often, financial resources to initiatives such as Emergency Preparedness and Innovative Readiness Training missions, and has become a pronounced voice for the region and the Agency. In February 2016, the DLN hosted its fourth annual conference which had approximately 175 participants in attendance – including DLN members, DRA staff and board members, speakers, and guests – an increase of approximately 75 percent over the 2014 and 2015 conferences. There have also been eight state meetings since January 2016.

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

Both the Delta Leadership Institute and the Delta Leadership Network directly support DRA’s third Regional Development Goal set to increase community capacity. Within the scope of this goal, DRA has identified one of its focus areas to be “leadership development” in an effort to “facilitate local capacity building within Delta communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals.” DRA understands and seeks to meet the needs of Delta community leaders by providing them with extensive professional development opportunities and a platform to communicate and collaborate. 36

Empowering Delta Leadership DeltaCorps

DeltaCorps, a program of AmeriCorps and the Delta Regional Authority, helps address economic and social needs of local communities in the Delta region. A Memorandum of Understanding, signed on July 14, 2016, cemented this partnership to deploy up to 100 AmeriCorps members to the Delta region. DeltaCorps provides much needed “boots on the ground” as a tangible resource that communities, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, schools and universities can access to help build economic opportunities, access to healthy futures, and disaster response services, among many other things. The first application cycle launched in September 2016. After a thorough internal review process, DRA awarded nine organizations located in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee with a total of 51 DeltaCorps members. As this initiative expands, DRA will do more outreach and open additional application cycles in 2017 to be able to utilize all available member positions.

Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill joins CEO Wendy Spencer at the Corporation for National and Community Service in Washington, D.C. to solidify the interagency partnership establishing the DeltaCorps program.

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

The DeltaCorps program adds capacity and people power to successful Delta-developed assets, allowing them to expand and reach into traditionally underserved communities. The establishment of this program directly supports DRA’s third Regional Development Goal set to increase community capacity. In its Regional Development Plan III, DRA determined the Agency must be a facilitator of “local capacity building [activities] within Delta communities, organizations, and businesses.” Ultimately, the DeltaCorps program will advance the local economies, workforce, and quality of place in the Delta region using unique service solutions developed at a grassroots level. 38

Leading Economically Competitive and Resilient Communities

In partnership with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), DRA launched the Leading Economically Competitive and Resilient Communities (ECRC) program. ECRC is a series of two-day intensive training workshops designed for local elected officials, economic development practitioners, and other community leaders. During the 2015-2016 ECRC workshop series, the program was presented in two modules. Module A: Economic Development Strategies, and Module B: Disaster Recovery and Economic Resilience. DRA launched the ECRC program with six initial pilot sessions beginning in October 2015, followed by a full rollout of 26 additional events which were completed by August 2016. A total of 31 workshops were held throughout the eight states of the Delta region. Participants were able to join in one or both modules, and all courses were at no cost to the participants. In October 2016, IEDC was awarded funding by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) to develop and instruct additional ECRC courses within the Delta region in 2017. DRA will continue to work closely with IEDC, EDA, and state and local partners to ensure continuity of this invaluable training program to better serve the needs of Delta communities and stakeholders.

In Jackson, Tennessee, the Southwest Tennessee Development District hosts an ECRC workshop for Delta stakeholders to learn more about economic development strategies, including business retention and expansion, workforce development, and marketing and attraction.

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

The Leading Economically Competitive and Resilient Communities (ECRC) program directly supports DRA’s third Regional Development Goal set to increase community capacity. In its Regional Development Plan III, DRA identified “leadership development” and “disaster recovery and economic resilience” as two primary focus areas, which spurred the development and implementation of the ECRC workshop series throughout the eight Delta states. Ultimately, ECRC provides local elected officials and other community leaders with proactive strategies, tools, and resources that are practical and implementable within their communities. 39

Growing Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs Small Business and Entrepreneurship Initiative

The Delta Regional Authority recognizes the importance and economic impact of small businesses and entrepreneurship to our local and regional economies. In an effort to support small business development and to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the Delta region, DRA’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBE) Initiative seeks to develop a pipeline of educated and skilled entrepreneurs by strengthening support services and training and improving access to capital in Delta counties and parishes. DRA Policy Framework for Small Business & Entrepreneurship Five key priority areas through DRA’s DEN and HBCU Initiative

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Initiative

The DEN expanded in 2016, the third year of the program, by advancing an inclusive strategy with regional Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The HBCU Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Initiative (EEI) has engaged the HBCU student populations and help expand their local entrepreneurial ecosystem. This model engages HBCU leaders, community leaders, and student entrepreneurs in a series of activities that support the growth of minority-owned businesses on college campuses. The selected schools - Grambling State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Philander Smith College, Rust College, Southern University, and the University of Pine Bluff - began ecosystem strategic planning with Allen Entrepreneurial Institute (AEI) in August 2016 and began the implementation of two-day rapid acceleration workshops in Fall 2016 and early 2017.

1. Develop a pipeline of educated and skilled entrepreneurs 2. Cultivate technology exchange and innovation 3. Improve access to affordable capital 4. Promote awareness and advance regional market opportunities 5. Optimize the regulatory environment

Delta Entrepreneurship Network

Launched in January 2015, the Delta Entrepreneurship Network aims to identify, nurture, and grow entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship support organizations (ESOs) through a competitive fellowship program. Through a three-year partnership with The Idea Village in New Orleans, selected entrepreneurs and ESOs participate in a cohort receiving intensive technical assistance and the opportunity to engage in New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW). In March 2016, the nineteen entrepreneurs and fourteen ESOs selected to join the DEN Fellowship attended NOEW. Entrepreneur fellows pitched to professional judges and engaged with private investors from around the country while ESOs visited Propeller, a New Orleans-based ESO, to participate in a discussion on strategies to continue building the entrepreneurial ecosystem in their communities. The DEN 2016-2017 programming launched in September 2016 with six Delta Challenge pitch competitionsNorth Little Rock, AR, Jackson, TN, Oxford, MS, Livingston, AL, Ruston, LA and Cape Girardeau, MOalong with three technical assistance sessions taking place across the DRA service area.

NOEW 2016 BY THE NUMBERS 13,216 PARTICIPANTS

$648,430 AWARDS

Grambling State University students compete in a HBCU pitch competition in advance of attending workshops at the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute.

DEN Fellows visit the Venture Center in Little Rock, Arkansas to recieve technical assistance training to prepare for NOEW 2017.

The Mid-South Minority Business Council (MMBC) Continuum

The MMBC Continuum is a non-profit organization that successfully connects Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) with the Mid-South’s largest corporations. To address the challenges that hinder M/WBE growth, the Delta Regional Authority invested in the MMBC Continuum to deliver targeted technical assistance to M/WBEs in an effort to support job creation and impact economic growth in their respective regions. Since November 2013, the MMBC Continuum’s highly successful program has served more than 350 M/WBEs in six counties and parishes located in Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

185 STARTUPS 127 SPEAKERS 40

55 PARTNERS

Through the Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBE) Initiative, DRA directly supports its third Regional Development Goal set to increase community capacity. By investing in programs such as DEN and the HBCU Initiative, DRA is proactively addressing two key actions from its Regional Development Plan III to “engage more of the region’s young and emerging business and community leaders” and to “promote entrepreneurship and innovation to stimulate economic growth.” Ultimately, DRA believes the development of a robust entrepreneurial environment is not only important to drive growth across Delta economies, but is essential to the long-term success of the region. 41

Reimagining the Delta Workforce As Delta communities continue into the 21st century’s global economy, one thing is clear: the most important asset to a community in order to attract business investment, create jobs for its residents, and achieve economic growth is a skilled and trained workforce. Cognizant of this reality, the Delta Regional Authority responded with its Reimagining the Delta Workforce initiative and published a 2014 report identifying three areas on which community leaders should focus their efforts. In 2016, DRA continued to build on the momentum of its workforce initiative by making strategic investments in the eight-state region through the ACT Work Ready Communities Initiative and the Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc. program.

DRA Policy Framework for Workforce Development • • • •

Reimagine Readiness Reengage Adult Learners and Disconnected Youth Realign Resources Ramp Up

Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc. (JAG)

Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc. (JAG) is the nation’s largest and, arguably, the most successful schoolto-work system for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. JAG focuses on keeping students in school through graduation, equipping them with the academic and technical skills necessary to improve their employability, which parallels DRA’s commitment to invest in strategies that boost employment opportunities and educational success. Pertinent to the core mission of DRA, the ultimate objective of the JAG Model is to assist program participants in securing a quality job that will lead to a meaningful and satisfying career. DRA’s investments into JAG have been delivered in five phases over the past several years. In 2016, the Delta Regional Authority made its Phase V investment into the JAG program. This Phase V investment totaled $250,000 to support the opening of 10-12 new JAG schools in five states within the Delta region. The investment increased the number of youth served by an additional 350-450 students. The Phase V investment will bring the total number of schools launching JAG programming to 38 in the region and 3,000 students served with soft skill development and credentialing. In 2016, Entergy launched an additional $250,000 commitment to support JAG programming alongside the Authority for JAG program expansion in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

ACT Work Ready Communities Initiative The ACT Work Ready Academy is a structured approach where ACT guides selected communities through the ACT Work Ready Communities (WRC) framework and how to leverage it to build their own unique, sustainable workforce development approach. Aside from the WRC process, ACT is providing tools to help the communities track their progress towards certification and presenting data for economic developers to show they have a qualified workforce valued by employers. Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill joins Governor Phil Bryant to announce the expansion of the JAG program in Mississippi.

The ACT Work Ready Program provides community-driven workforce development action plans that promote closing the skills gap; the design of career pathways programs that enable adults and displaced workers to enter into specialty careers; the implementation of high quality on-the-job training programs; the design of accelerated and contextualized classroom-based learning opportunities; and capacity building for workforce intermediaries. The ACT Work Ready Communities Inititative used 2016 as a year to grow the pool of skilled workers who possessed the National Career Readiness Certificate. Our communities credentialed 27,125 Delta residents with post-secondary certificates to enter into the workforce. We have additionally engaged more than 583 employers with public/private partnerships to strengthen the pipeline to livable wage jobs in Delta communities. or maintaining ACT WRC Certification

PARTICIPATING DELTA STATES

COUNTIES & PARISHES ENGAGED

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

Through the Jobs for America’s Graduates, Inc. (JAG) program and the ACT Work Ready Communities Initiative, DRA directly supports its first Regional Development Goal set to improve workforce competitiveness. To succeed in today’s 21st century economy, DRA recognizes the importance of developing a pipeline of skilled workers to support the growth of existing and future employers. By investing in JAG and ACT Work Ready Communities, DRA utilizes a two-pronged approach to advance the Delta’s workforce through soft skills development and nationally-recognized certifications.

*The emerging workforce includes high school juniors, seniors, or recent graduates. This category also includes current college students or recent graduates. The incumbent workforce includes the currently employed: private and nonprofit and may also include local, state, or federal government. The transitioning workforce represents the most vulnerable in the DRA footprint. This category includes those who are currently unemployed.

Promoting A Healthy Delta Innovative Readiness Training Medical Clinics

Throughout eight years of partnership, the Delta Regional Authority and the Department of Defense (DOD) have collaborated to bring the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program to the Delta region. IRT medical missions deliver quality medical care provided by licensed medical professionals serving in our reserve forces, to residents of rural communities that otherwise have little to no access to quality health care. IRT clinics operate for a temporary time frame (typically about 10 days) during which patients have the opportunity to receive general medical, dental, and optical care for themselves and their family members, all of which are high-demand healthcare needs in the Delta. Bringing medical, dental, and optical care to Delta residents who are uninsured or under-insured and in need of quality healthcare – at no cost to the patient – DRA assisted with the implementation of the three IRT medical clinics in the Delta region.

Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill and Designee Amy Fecher join service men and women at the Greyhound Medical Mission in West Memphis, AR.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Rosalyn Baker, hospital corpsman with the U.S. Navy Reserve Expeditionary Medical Facility Great Lakes One, Detachment O, Chicago, takes a patient’s blood pressure at Paducah Tilghman High School, Paducah, Ky., (Photo Courtesy of US Navy Reserve, Petty Officer 2nd Class Cathan Bricker)

U.S. Army Sgt. Brittany Dell, a health care specialist from the 329th Medical Company, checks a young girl’s blood pressure as part of a joint effort with Delta Regional Authority and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) (Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army)

30,346 45

Promoting A Healthy Delta

Delta Doctors

In an effort to increase the number of doctors serving Delta residents, the Delta Regional Authority implemented the Delta Doctors program in 2003. The program allows foreign physicians who are trained in the United States to work in medically underserved areas for three years by providing those physicians with J-1 Visa Waivers. Most doctors placed through this program choose to stay far longer than the required three years once they develop a patient base. Those in the Delta Doctors program do not take jobs away from U.S.-born physicians. Instead, they provide services in areas where otherwise there would be a shortage of physicians. During the 2016 cycle, DRA accepted and processed 87 applications of foreign physicians seeking J-1 Visa Waivers in the following states:

DRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regional Development Goals Alignment

Through the Innovative Readiness Training and Delta Doctor programs, DRA is able to support its first Regional Development Goal set to improve workforce competitiveness. DRA understands it is necessary to support initiatives that improve the health and wellness of the Deltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce in order to elevate the productivity and competitiveness of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employers. 46

Supporting Tourism & the Cultural Economy Cultural tourism is using creative and cultural economies, made up of local artisans, writers, filmmakers, musicians, business owners, entrepreneurs, and the organizations that support them, to enhance the economies of Delta communities. DRA has a unique opportunity to showcase its culture and heritage while building local economies at the same time. In May 2015, international tourists spent more than $18 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States. Creative economies and tourism are some of the best opportunities for economic development for rural communities. States in the Delta region - such as Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana - are seeing hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue at the state and local level and tens of thousands of jobs related to the tourism industry. In recognition of tourism as a major economic development opportunity for Delta communities big and small, DRA invests resources into the infrastructure and small businesses that support visitors coming to the Delta region and is working with communities, businesses, and attractions to collectively promote the region as a great place to visit. DRA also supports the promotion of the Delta region as a prime destination for international and domestic travelers through numerous partnerships like the Mississippi River Geotourism initiative and the Delta Sky publication.

Mississippi River Geotourism

The Mississippi River Geotourism initiative seeks to capture and promote the culture, heritage and ecological diversity of the people and places that are connected to the Mississippi River, through the voices and stories of the people that live along its shores. The genesis of this initiative came from the establishment of a National Geographic Society co-branded website. The content on this site was created and is curated in partnership with local organizations, businesses and residents to map the best travel experiences along the Mississippi River.

Delta Sky Magazine

Explore more along the Mississippi River at mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com The vision for the Mississippi River Geotourism initiative is to build on the Mississippi River’s global name recognition to increase awareness, appreciation and stewardship of the entire river - its history, cultures, and natural wonders - to help connect people along the river, to improve the capacity to offer high quality tourism experiences in the region, and to develop and disseminate tools that make it easier for travelers to explore the region - and in doing so, increase visitation and the economic impact of tourism along the Mississippi River.

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

In its Regional Development Plan III, DRA has identified "quality of place" to be one of its key focus areas under its third Regional Development Goal set to increase community capacity. The Mississippi River Geotourism initiative and the partnerships with Delta Sky Magazine and Oxford American elevate the Delta region's quality of place by highlighting some of the region's greatest assets and cultural attractions. DRA's investment in initiatives to enhance the Delta's quality of place is crucial for attracting a young, productive workforce and has a major influence on economic development activities in Delta communities. 48

Oxford American

In December 2016, DRA was highlighted in a special music section in the literary magazine, the Oxford American. The Oxford American produced and distributed its 2016 Southern Music Issue: Visions of the Blues with an accompanying CD that thematically explores songs compiled from various legendary blues musicians. The magazine included a separate 16-page page “Blues Visionaries” insert created to highlight the historial and cultural importance and economic impact of creative placemaking and tourism across the Delta region. DRA provided story-telling content and images from the 2016 Mississippi River Photo Shootout for this special section.

The June 2016 issue of Delta Sky Magazine featured a 36-page profile on the cultural and natural assets of the Delta region and highlighted some of the most unique attractions of each of the eight Delta states, such as the Delta’s trails and waterways from the Shawnee National Forest, famous for the Little Grand Canyon to Emerald Mound, a 35-foot high plateau not far from the Natchez Trace Parkway. This profile was made possible by a partnership between the Delta Regional Authority, Delta Sky Magazine, and the governors of the eight states, in order to develop the potential of the Delta region to attract travelers throughout the United States and across the world. Per Delta Airlines, its Delta Sky Magazine’s June 2016 issue was seen by 5 million people in 61 countries and six continents, giving readers the opportunity to learn about and fall in love with the Delta region. 49

Elevating Delta Communities

Federal Priorities and Initiatives

Operation HOPE

In FY 2016, DRA invested $250,000 - with a $250,000 match programming contribution from strategic financial partners of Operation HOPE - to provide groundbreaking economic uplift in the region, beginning with six rural communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to serve more than 3,000 individuals and businesses in 2017. The initial impact areas include DeSoto and Natchitoches parishes in Louisiana; Tate and Tunica counties in Mississippi; and Fayette and Haywood counties in Tennessee. Operation HOPE is installing certified financial wellbeing coaches in the specified communities. These coaches provide one-on-one counseling and mentoring to help individuals manage money and credit and raise credit scores, as well as provide resources on small business startup and development. The HOPE Inside model has allowed private financial institutions to scale, and sustainably package and deliver, financial literacy and empowerment programming, at no cost to the client. Today, there are 50 existing HOPE Inside locations across the nation, and commitments for more than 250 new offices within the next 18 months.

Founder and CEO John Hope Bryant pictured with DRA’s Digital Communications Manager Joshua Price attend the grand opening of Operation HOPE Inside at First Tennessee Bank providing financial literacy programs to Senatobia, MS residents.

Hope Enterprise

Hope Enterprise Corporation (HOPE) is a not-for-profit Community Development Financial Institution with a mission of strengthening communities, building assets and improving lives in economically distressed communities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and western Tennessee. In FY 2016, DRA invested $200,000 in the HOPE Enterprise Corporation’s Capacity Building for Rural Communities Initiative to provide strategic and focused community and economic development training and technical assistance for small city governments, with the ultimate goals of advancing key economic development projects, attracting private and public resources, expanding economic opportunity, and building the financial capability of the communities and their residents. DRA Regional Development Goals Alignment The programming delivered by Operation HOPE and Hope Enterprise directly supports DRA’s third Regional Development Goal set to increase community capacity. In its Regional Development Plan III, DRA has determined one of its key actions to be the “[encouragement of] social innovation and social entrepreneurship to address local challenges.” In response, these new initiatives with Operation HOPE and Hope Enterprise expands financial literacy programs and delivers economic empowerment to distressed and low-income communities. Ultimately, the efforts of Operation HOPE and Hope Enterprise complement DRA’s Delta Entrepreneurship Network and the Delta I-Fund, programs that create new jobs and expanded income opportunities through entrepreneurial efforts across the eight-state DRA region. 50

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships Local Foods, Local Places

White House Rural Council

To address challenges in rural America, build on the Administration’s rural economic strategy, and improve the implementation of that strategy, President Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Rural Council (WHRC) in June 2011. The WHRC’s three core functions are to: 1) Streamline and improve the effectiveness of federal programs serving rural America, 2) Engage stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and local citizens on issues and solutions in rural communities, and 3) Promote and coordinate private-sector partnerships. As a vested member of the WHRC, the Delta Regional Authority continued working alongside its federal agency counterparts to support and invest in policy initiatives focusing on economic development, job creation, and quality of life in the Delta region, and supported the WHRC’s institutionalization to ensure rural America will continue to have its voice heard for administrations to come.

2016 White House Rural Council Policy Initiatives

Rural IMPACT Communities In April 2014, the White House Rural Council launched “Rural IMPACT” - a cross-agency effort to combat poverty and improve upward mobility in rural and tribal places. And in August 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new demonstration project, Rural Integration Models for Parents and Children to Thrive (IMPACT), to help communities adopt a two-generation approach to address the needs of both vulnerable children and their parents, with the goal of increasing parents’ employment and education and improving the health and well-being of their children and families. Two of the 10 communities that were designated IMPACT Communities Demonstration sites are located in the DRA’s footprint: • Blytheville (AR), Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc. (serving Mississippi County, AR) • Jackson (MS), Friends of Children of Mississippi, Inc. (serving Issaquena, Sharkey and Humphreys Counties, MS)

First announced in June 2014 during a White House Rural Council meeting in Washington, D.C., the Local Foods, Local Places (LFLP) program aims to boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses, to improve access to healthy foods, and to revitalize downtowns and traditional neighborhoods by supporting farmers markets, food hubs, community gardens, and community kitchens and improving accessibility of these amenities. The program helps the awarded communities improve their livability by promoting economic development, preserving rural lands, and increasing access to locally grown food. Under the leadership of the White House Rural Council (WHRC), six federal partners jointly fund and support the LFLP program: the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). In the second round of the LFLP program, twentyseven communities nationwide were selected to participate in the LFLP program, five of which were within the Delta region.

Opioid Town Hall In July 2016, Alternate Federal Co-Chairman Mike Marshall represented DRA at an opioid town hall in Columbia, Missouri, alongside Secretary Vilsack and Senator Claire McCaskill, to discuss how the opioid epidemic is affecting the State of Missouri and rural America. The Colombia town hall was just one of many hosted by Secretary Vilsack as Chairman of the WHRC. White House Rural Forum In October 2016, Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill represented the Agency at the White House Rural Forum – an event hosted by the WHRC – to convene rural policy, business, and nonprofit leaders to discuss the progress, challenges, and future of rural America.

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill listens closely as President Barack Obama and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack address the White House Rural Council’s interagency partners at a meeting in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C.

In its Regional Development Plan III, DRA has identified three Guiding Principles – “collaboration,” “innovation,” and “leadership” – as necessary to the Delta region’s long-term growth, improvement, and sustainability. Similarly, the White House Rural Council committed to focus on “opportunity,” “innovation,” “quality of life,” and “conservation” – justifying DRA’s involvement, support, and investment in the Council and its work. DRA commends the efforts of the WHRC and its members, and will continue to support its mission by way of partnerships and collaborative efforts to move rural America and the Delta region forward.

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

Local Foods, Local Places supports all of DRA’s Guiding Principles set to enhance the collaboration, innovation, and leadership of the eight-state Delta region. Within the scope of these guiding principles, DRA has committed “to serve as a facilitator of regional collaboration, leveraging diverse resources, aligning public and private interests, and strengthening local and regional partnerships.” Through the LFLP program, DRA will continue to enrich the quality of place in Delta communities through creative place-making and downtown revitalization efforts.

Cultivating Innovative Partnerships The Summer Opportunity Project

In February 2016, the White House launched the Summer Opportunity Project, partnering with communities and employers across the country to give young people access to their first job and encourage investment in essential programs supporting summer meals and learning. In 16 communities, designated “Summer Opportunity Hubs,” the federal government and private sector leaders provided targeted federal assistance in the form of dedicated “Ambassadors” to help mayors and other elected officials expand and upgrade their programs. In partnership with more than 15 federal agencies, the Delta Regional Authority committed to providing one Ambassador to oversee the three Delta communities selected to participate in the Summer Opportunity Project.

2016 Summer Opportunity Hubs in the Delta

Clarksdale, Mississippi implemented its first summer youth employment program to train and employ 30 young adults. Through their continued partnership with the Walton Family Foundation, Clarksdale will implement a year-round youth employment and workforce development program in Summer 2017. Jonesboro, Arkansas established its first summer youth employment program to train and employ 10 young adults through the local Department of Parks & Recreation. The City and Arkansas State University have partnered to enhance the program for Summer 2017. Through a partnership with the Simmons Foundation, Pine Bluff, Arkansas added 10 jobs to their existing Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) bringing the total to 130 youth employed and trained in 2016.

Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership

Originally launched in 2013, the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) is an interagency initiative led by the White House National Economic Council (NEC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) that is designed to accelerate the resurgence of American manufacturing and support high-paying manufacturing jobs across the country. Designation as an IMCP community provides additional consideration to communities that demonstrate best practices in attracting and expanding American manufacturing through long-term planning and integrated targeted investments in workforce training, infrastructure, research, and innovation. The IMCP initiative also helps to align and streamline federal funding processes in order to help manufacturing communities gain a competitive edge in leveraging private sector investment and attracting global manufacturers and their supply chains. As a key federal partner and collaborator for the IMCP initiative, DRA committed to overseeing the three designated communities located in the Delta region: • The Louisiana Chemical Manufacturing Initiative, lead by Louisiana State University, is a consortium focused on chemical manufacturing spanning 200 miles across south Louisiana from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and Lake Charles. • The Made in the Mid-South Manufacturing Alliance is a partnership focused on medical device manufacturing that includes nine counties in the greater Memphis area, spanning Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. • The Southwest Alabama Manufacturing Community is a collaboration spanning coastal Alabama that focuses on shipbuilding and aerospace manufacturing needs. Since the first round of IMCP-designated communities were announced, DRA has invested nearly $445,000 in the three Delta region communities. In October 2016, DRA provided assistance to representatives from each Delta region community to support their participation in the 2016 IMCP Summit where they were able to engage with federal partners, other IMCP communities, and leading manufacturing and workforce development experts.

Mayor Bill Luckett joins participating employers and youth at orientation for the City of Clarksdale’s newly established Summer Youth Employment Program in July 2016.

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment The Investing in Manufacutring Communities Partnership (IMCP) is an initiative that directly supports two of the strategic goals identified in its Regional Development Plan III set to improve workforce competitiveness and increase community capacity. For example, one of the Agency’s key actions is to “prioritize investments for workforce training in growing industries and occupational categories,” which coincides with DRA’s investments through the IMCP initiative to elevate advanced manufacturing in the Delta region. By investing in the work of communities that are leaders in these high-growth sectors, DRA seeks to enhance a regional approach to economic development by building on the Delta region’s current assets and opportunities

In DRA’s Regional Development Plan III, DRA has identified “workforce training and hard skills,” “soft skills and employability,” and “health and wellness” as focus areas which directly support the Agency’s first regional development goal set to improve workforce competitiveness. DRA’s participation in the Summer Opportunity Project is reflective of each of these focus areas, and is just one effort by the Agency to create a strong pipeline of skilled workers that will support and attract both current and future employers in the Delta region for years to come. 54

White House Community Solutions

The White House Community Solutions initiative focuses on bottom-up, innovative, and results-oriented solutions to better serve the needs of communities nationwide. To guide its mission, the Community Solutions taskforce identified three key objectives:

Administration & Operations

1. Promote service as a solution and create a new generation of leadership; 2. Increase investment in and provide incentives for innovative solutions that demonstrate results; and 3. Develop new, innovative models of partnership. Since 2009, more than fifteen federal agencies have launched dozens of initiatives and partnerships with local governments, businesses, non-profit organizations and more, tackling some of the greatest challenges our communities face today. The Delta Regional Authority signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to help institutionalize and build upon the mission and progress of the Community Solutions initiative. In 2016, DRA supported the MOA by hiring four Regional Economic and Community Development Officers (RDOs) to serve as the Agency’s “boots on the ground,” supporting economic and community development activities across the DRA footprint. Not only do the RDOs educate and inform stakeholders of all DRA has to offer, but they also work with local communities to understand and utilize other federal, state, and philanthropic resources at their disposal. In collaboration with DRA, other federal agency partners, and the Partnership for Public Service, the Obama Administration created the “Delivering Outcomes with Communities” training sessions to provide federal employees with the experience, expertise, and tools they need to work collaboratively and to deliver tailored solutions to local communities, improving the federal government’s ability to work more efficiently and effectively. DRA sent all of the RDOs and a majority of the Agency’s staff members to its first four training sessions in 2016. In November 2016, President Obama issued an executive order establishing a Community Solutions Council, which included the Federal Co-Chair of the Delta Regional Authority.

DRA’s Regional Development Goals Alignment

The Community Solutions initiative, and its newlyestablished Council, fundamentally support DRA’s three Guiding Principles identified in its Regional Development Plan III: “collaboration,” “innovation,” and “leadership.” Through the hiring of four Regional Economic and Community Development Officers and the newly-established DeltaCorps program, DRA is not only supporting the mission and key objectives of the Community Solutions Council, but is also proactively engaged in providing Delta communities with resultsoriented programs and innovative resources to create more effective and efficient government. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shaun

Donovan addresses federal staff at the Partnership for Public Service, a non-profit hosting the Delivering Outcomes with Communities training course, to provide federal staff with the skills, resources, and new perspectives needed to improve sustainable community outcomes.

Ensuring Effective Government Monitoring & Compliance

DRA leadership added additional resources and support to the Division of Monitoring and Compliance. Monitoring and Compliance provides independent and objective reviews and investigations related to Agency programs, investments, and operations. The Division provides leadership and coordination; recommends policies to prevent and detect fraud and abuse; and promotes efficiency and effectiveness for all of DRA’s programs, investments, and general operational activities. The Division also provides a means for keeping DRA’s Federal Co-Chairman, and subsequently Congress, fully informed about any problems and deficiencies with all Agency activities. In support of these responsibilities, the Division has statutory authority to obtain all records, files, reports, documents, or materials needed to conduct compliance reviews/audits, inspections, and investigations. Though the projected visitation goal for FY 2016 aimed for site visits of at least 25% of active investments, the Alternate Federal Co-Chairman and Chief Monitoring & Compliance Officer exceeded this benchmark. With the help of Local Development Districts acting as the first line of defense, all 119 projects have been deemed in compliance with no major deficiencies.

Accountability & Operational Excellence

The Delta Regional Authority is committed to being a good steward of taxpayers’ dollars and fiscally responsible in order to be the most effective and efficient governmental entity supporting job creation, building communities, and improving lives in the Delta region and Alabama Black Belt. DRA conducts annual independent audits each year and has earned an unmodified report from independent financial auditor BKD, LLP – a consistent trend since its initial audit in FY 2001. In FY 2016, DRA had zero reportable deficiencies or weaknesses and no compliance exceptions in its reviewed structures. In 2017, DRA will continue its progress in ensuring strong accountability, transparency, and operational excellence.

January 19, 2017 Mr. Christopher Masingill Federal Co-Chairman Delta Regional Authority 236 Sharkey Avenue, Suite 400 Clarksdale, MS 38614-4405 Dear Chairman Masingill: I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you and your staff on a successful audit. Delta Regional Authority (DRA) received an unmodified or “clean” opinion on their financial statements, which is the highest level of opinion we can provide. Furthermore, the independent auditor’s report on internal control over financial reporting and on compliance and other matters based on an audit of the financial statements performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards reported no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal control. Further evidence of DRA’s controls in place over its processes came from the results of our compliance testing. In our SEDAP testing, in a test of a total of 240 attributes in 23 sampled files, no exceptions were identified. The results of the audit are significant and reflect the attitude and emphasis over internal controls and results developed under your leadership. Please know BKD stands ready to assist in any way we can. We appreciate our opportunity to work with DRA and look forward to future years. Sincerely,

DRA’s Management Goal

Maintain organizational excellence and efficiency, invest in professional development, encourage innovation, and continue to be an effective steward of public funds.

Timothy T. Burns, CPA Partner TTB:jsh

Increasing Outreach & Awareness Communications & Public Engagement

DRA’s Office of Communications & Public Engagement works diligently to ensure that the public, DRA stakeholders, congressional offices, local elected officials, and DRA partners are aware of and updated on the work DRA is doing to help Delta communities grow and thrive. Furthermore, the office works closely with DRA leadership and staff to ensure strong levels of participation in DRA programming and public events. The Office’s chief responsibility is to keep stakeholders and partners informed about DRA activities. This includes publicizing and promoting DRA programs and activities to external audiences, maintaining the DRA website with accurate and current information, designing publications that represent investment numbers and information about DRA programming, and consistently updating social media outlets that promote DRA. The Communications team has: • Improved website traffic – visits topped over 50,000 in 2016. • Bolstered social media awareness – total Twitter impressions increased more than 133% to 895,400. • Facebook impressions also increased more than 100% to 684,500. • Enhanced external media awareness of DRA’s efforts to strengthen communities and support economic development across the Delta. • Highlighted the Delta as a destination for tourists through creative placemaking efforts in Oxford American and Delta Sky magazines.

Today’s Delta

In order to plan and implement impactful economic and community development strategies for the future, DRA recognizes that community leaders must understand their current reality. Today’s Delta provides an updated print publication that shows county-level data with comparisons to state, regional, and national indicators. In December 2016, DRA released its third Today’s Delta publication and continues to maintain the complementary online research tool, which allows users to compare four levels of data between county, state, regional, and national statistics. To download the latest Today’s Delta print publication or to access the online research tool, please visit dra.gov.

Project Investment Mapping Tool

In December 2016, DRA launched its Project Reinvestment Mapping Tool allowing users to filter DRA projects by State, Fiscal Year, and Project Type. This interactive tool identifies every DRA investment since FY 2002 providing Delta stakeholders with a deeper understanding of DRA’s mission and investment priorities.

An aggressive social media strategy - using boosted Facebook and Twitter posts - and including calls-to-action with linkbacks to DRA’s website will continue to broaden our digital reach and engage new audiences across the Delta region and beyond.

APPENDIX A: DRA COUNTIES & PARISHES

FY 2016 DRA Distressed and Non-Distressed Counties and Parishes

APPENDIX A

FY 2016 DRA Distressed and Non-Distressed Designation Changes

APPENDIX B: PROJECT SUMMARIES

Alabama 2016 Investments

Arkansas 2016 Investments

The City of York: Moldwood Lift Station Replacement DRA Investment $232,008 | Total Investment $ $232,008 The demolition/replacement of the Moldwood lift station which serves 100 low income residents in the City of York.

Mountain View/Stone County Government: Stone County Excel Boats Expansion DRA Investment $200,467 | Other Public Investment $357,500 | Private Investment $500,000 Total Investment $1,057,967 Stone County needs to construct additional manufacturing space for Excel Boat Company in order to assist in their expansion efforts. When complete the company plans to add 20 new employees.

The City of Selma: Selma Interpretive Center Phase III DRA Investment $100,000 | Other Public Investment $1,320,000 | Total Investment $1,420,000 The City of Selma in conjunction with the National Park Service is working on the expansion of the Selma Interpretive Center. The City is requesting DRA funds to help offset its required commitment. Statewide Project: ACT Work Ready Communities and The Ready to Work Initiative DRA Investment $73,696 | Total Investment $73,696 This project seeks to align regional workforce development initiatives with a local employer’s workforce training program to provide jobs to regional workers and improve workforce competitiveness. The City of Selma: Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center of Dallas County DRA Investment $100,000 | Other Public Investment $210,000 | Total Investment $310,000 This project will recruit and develop entrepreneurial businesses who want to locate to the region. The center will be a space where these businesses can develop into healthy companies in 2 - 3 years. The Town of Hurtsboro: Hurtsboro Street and Drainage Improvements DRA Investment $25,000 | Other Public Investment $306,000 | Total Investment $331,000 Hurtsboro wishes to improve 5 deteriorating streets, including one that is part of the truck route through town, reduce storm water inflow and infiltration of the sewer system, and mitigate flooding. The City of Camden: Bridgeport Landing Phase 1 DRA Investment $200,000 | Total Investment $200,000 The City of Camden proposes to use DRA funds to implement upgrades at the Bridgeport Landing Park. The park is used for large fishing tournaments that inject outside dollars into the local economy. The Town of Fulton: Fulton Industrial Access DRA Investment $94,191 | Other Public Investment $864,375 | Total Investment $958,566 The Town of Fulton is requesting DRA funds to cover industrial access engineering costs not covered by the State of Alabama’s Road and Bridge Access Program. The City of Greenville/Bulter County Commission: Butler County Roads DRA Investment $155,500 | Other Public Investment $175,929 | Total Investment $331,429 The proposed project will improve two substandard roads in Butler County. The proposed project area contains two badly deteriorated paved roads with overlying patches, potholes, cracks and depressions. The Town of Grove Hill/Clarke County School District: Clarke County Regional Workforce Training Center DRA Investment $105,000 | Other Public Investment $432,125 | Total Investment $537,125 The Clarke County School District proposes to use DRA funds to rehabilitate an existing armory for use as a Workforce Training Center.

APPENDIX B

Pine Bluff: Pine Bluff Multipurpose Center DRA Investment $150,000 | Other Public Investment $6,405,000 | Total Investment $6,555,000 The City of Pine Bluff is requesting funding for DRA to construct an Aquatics and Multipurpose Center in downtown Pine Bluff. Little Rock: Environmental and Spatial Technology Inc: Strengthening the Workforce Pipeline in the Arkansas Delta Through EAST. DRA Investment $158,000 | Other Public Investment $217,500 | Total Investment $375,500 In partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education, The Delta Regional Authority, and local schools, the EAST Initiative will start three new EAST programs in the Arkansas Delta. Cleveland County: River Ridge Access Road & Parking Lot DRA Investment $100,000 | Total Investment $100,000 Cleveland County is requesting funding to make improvements to access road and parking lot that will accommodate River Ridge Equipment Company in Cleveland County Arkansas. El Dorado: South Arkansas Community College: South Arkansas Community College Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (AMTC) DRA Investment $200,000 | Other Public Investment $1,559,638 | Total Investment $1,759,638 This project investment will construct a 9,000 square foot facility for classrooms and specialized training space to support industryrelated programs for SouthArk College in El Dorado, Arkansas. Desha County: Desha County Infrastructure (Levee Ramp) DRA Investment $194,853 | Total Investment $194,853 Pave the levee ramp (off Hwy 4 by Clearwater Paper Co.) in Arkansas City that connects to the Delta Heritage Trail (DHT). Monticello: Monticello Scogin Drive Extension DRA Investment $200,000 | Other Public Investment $3,750,000 | Total Investment $3,950,000 Construct an extension of Scogin Drive/AR Hwy 83, from its current end at Old Warren Road, northward to intersect with U.S. Highway 278 West creating connectivity to the Health and Education Complex. Little Rock: Restore Hope Delta 1 - Phase 1 DRA Investment $119,000 | Other Public Investment $945,000 | Total Investment $1,064,000 A collective impact initiative to reduce the number of children in foster care and reverse the state’s growing rate of incarceration. Phase 1 will setup local Alliances and detailed project plans. State College: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University/State College, AR: Consortium for Medical Education in the Delta (C-MED) DRA Investment $200,000 | Other Public Investment $102,500 | Total Investment $302,500 This funding request is made to support the establishment of the first Delta community based clinical education consortium with medical and health institutions. 65

APPENDIX B

Arkansas 2016 Investments Little Rock/DRA Footprint: Winrock Innovation Fund DRA Investment $1,000,000 | Total Investment $1,000,000 The Innovation Fund is a training program accompanied with a privately-financed early stage investment fund that seeks to train and capitalize collegiate and other startups throughout the DRA region. City of Bull Shoals: Bull Shoals Wastewater System Improvement DRA Investment $500,000 | Other Public Investment $7,947,700 | Total Investment $8,447,000 Construction of a new waste water treatment facility in Bull Shoals, AR that will replace the existing obsolete system, which if it failed would be an economic and environmental disaster in the region. City of Marvell: Zachary Wastewater Improvements DRA Investment $855,500 | Total Investment $855,500 The proposed project will rehabilitate the city’s sewer pumps and a FHA housing project rural sewage system in the City of Marvell, Phillips County, Arkansas.

Illinois 2016 Investments City of Sessor, IL: City of Sesser - Water Improvements DRA Investment $67,263 | Other Public Investment $7,500 | Total Investment $74,763 A multi-phase water main project to repair and extend 6 City water lines for remediation of immediate and present threats to public safety and welfare as well as in response to IEPA violation notices. Village of Evansville, IL: Liberty Street Road Improvements Project to fix water line and Liberty Street portion. DRA Investment $180,000 | Other Public Investment $26,060 | Total Investment $206,060 Repair 340 l.f. of waterline and resurfacing of 1,535 l.f. of 2 1/2” thick surface of two-lane roadway and two-parking lanes for road improvements to Liberty Street from Broadway to Church St.

Illinois 2016 Investments Southern Illinois University/ Carbondale, IL: Growing Southern Illinois: Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem DRA Investment $159,312 | Other Public Investment $39,937 | Total Investment $199,249 The Growing Southern Illinois project will expand business development and entrepreneurship services to include mentoring, management, and access to capital in the 16 Illinois Delta counties. City of Grayville, IL: City of Grayville Industrial Park Koehler Street Extension DRA Investment $59,807 | Total Investment $59,807 The City of Grayville will extend Koehler Street within the Grayville I-64 Plaza Industrial Park to accommodate a new business. Village of Prairie du Rocher, IL: Phase V of Prairie du Rocher-Modoc Levee Improvements DRA Investment $120,150 | Other Public Investment $12,015 | Total Investment $132,165 Design and construction to complete the slip-lining and grouting of the final two defective gravity drains in the levee that allow water to flow back and forth through the levee relieving pressure. Marion, IL: Greater Egypt Cluster Development Plan DRA Investment $111,111 | Total Investment $111,111 Create a regional marketing strategy and materials for the attraction of businesses, workers, and consumers. Plan focuses on the Manufacturing, Transportation & Warehousing, and Healthcare sectors.

Kentucky 2016 Investments Henderson County Riverport/Henderson, KY: Henderson Riverport Crane Rehab DRA Investment $ 256,500 | Other Public Funding $657,700 | Total Investment $914,200 The project consists of the restoration of a 1980 125-ton electric pedestal dock crane for the Henderson County Riverport. Fulton Industrial Development Authority/Fulton, KY: Kayser Corporation expansion in Fulton DRA Investment $ 263,054 | Other Public Investment $2,400,000 | Private Investment $21,200,000 | Total Investment $23,863,054 Renovate a FIDA owned building to allow Kayser to expand and create 100 jobs.

Town of Rosiclare, IL/Hardin County General Hospital: Hardin County General Hospital - Access Road Upgrade & Parking Expansion DRA Investment $100,123 | Other Public Investment $10,595 | Total Investment $110,718 Hardin County General Hospital will utilize DRA funds to upgrade the hospitals’ access road and construct an expanded parking area and drive lane for increased capacity for the hospital and clinic.

Merryman House/Paducah, KY: Merryman House Acquisition and Rehabilitation Project DRA Investment $256,500 | Other Public Investment $1,928,832 | Total Investment $2,185,332 The project calls for the purchase of 26 acres and 8 buildings with the intent to renovate one of the buildings to accommodate a new 36 bed domestic crisis center which is an increase of 12 beds.

City of Harrisburg, IL/Southeastern Illinois College: Southeastern Illinois College - Diesel Technology Program DRA Investment $47,303 | Other Public Investment $120,000 | Total Investment $167,303 Southeastern Illinois College will utilize DRA funds to purchase two diesel training engines with after-treatment to train diesel technology students and incumbent workers on complex diesel systems.

Fulton County Fiscal Court/Hickman, KY: Fulton County Clinic Project – Replacement DRA Investment $142,387 | Total Investment $142,387 The Fulton County Fiscal Court will purchase a facility in the city of Fulton to use as a medical clinic. They will lease the facility to Jackson Purchase Medical Associates to operate the clinic.

City of DuQuoin: DuQuoin Lift Station DRA Investment $214,861 | Other Public Investment $23,179 | Private Investment $3,000,000 | Total Investment $3,238,040 DuQuoin seeks to replace and restore major components of the Grant Way Lift Station.

Todd County Fiscal Court/Elkton, KY: Todd County Career Path Institute Technical Training Equipment Project DRA Investment $105,000 | Total Investment $105,000 Purchase of training equipment for the Todd County Career Path Institute technical training facility.

Village of Dowell, IL: Dowell Flood Mapping Project Phase II DRA Investment $10,000 | Total Investment $10,000 Phase II of previously funded project IL-10878. Project completes the re-mapping of the Village’s elevations in order to update FEMA flood map.

APPENDIX B

City of Cadiz, KY: Cadiz Water Treatment Plant Project DRA Investment $400,000 | Other Public Investment $4,500,000 | Total Investment $4,900,000 This project proposed to construct a water treatment plant for the City of Cadiz, KY. City of Paducah, KY: Flood Wall Pump Station #2 Rehabilitation DRA Investment $400,000 | Other Public Investment $4,104,992 | Total Investment $4,504,992 The City of Paducah is proposing to rehabilitate pump station #2 along the Paducah Flood wall.

APPENDIX B

Louisiana 2016 Investments

Village of Gross Tete, LA: Village of Grosse Tete Sewer Pond Rehab DRA Investment $174,360 | Other Public Investment $20,847 | Total Investment $195,207 On September 23, 2015, The Village of Grosse Tete STP received an inspection from the Louisiana DEQ finding that the curtain divider for the oxidation pond was damaged and needed to be replaced.

City of Monroe, LA: City of Monroe DRA Water Improvements CenturyLink Village DRA Investment $1,014,000 | Other Public Investment $32,967,124 | Private Investment $6,200,000 Total Investment $40,181,124 The project will provide water improvements to CentryLink Village & CenturyLink Corporate Headquarters, correcting current deficiencies in the water distribution system and creating 430 new jobs.

Town of Boyce, LA: Boyce Sewer Capacity for Industry DRA Investment $150,000 | Other Public Investment $29,665 | Private Investment $30,000,000 | Total Investment $30,179,665 The proposed project will upgrade the sewer to support private sector development of approximately $30 million from alternative biofuels manufacturer Sundrop Fuels for a R&D facility. Statewide Project/Louisiana Workforce Commission/Office of Workforce Development/Louisiana Rehabilitation Services: JAG-LA Expansion Project DRA Investment $250,000 | Total Investment $250,000 The Louisiana Workforce Commission is seeking to expand the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program in Louisiana from 69 programs to 101, with an emphasis on assisting the States disabled students. Town of Jonesboro, LA: Jonesboro Water Well DRA Investment $250,000 | Other Public Investment $12,500 | Total Investment $262,500 The south side of Jonesboro has experienced substantial growth which has resulted in a severe shortage of water. This project will construct an additional water well to alleviate these emergency issue. Assumption Parish Waterworks District 1/Napoleonville, LA: Paincourtville Booster Pump Station DRA Investment $273,670 | Other Public Investment $228,805 | Total Investment $502,475 The project will upgrade the Paincourtville Booster Pump Station by the addition of two new pumps and associated electrical work. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness/Baton Rouge, LA: Repair of Levee Failure in Myrtle Grove (Plaquemines Parish) area DRA Investment $400,000 | Total Investment $400,000 (DRA Investment Includes $100K of Emergency/ Contingency) On August 27, 2016 a breach was discovered during a routine inspection of a parish levee by parish personnel on Friday at 7:00pm and reported to GOHSEP at 7:05pm by their Parish OEP Director (Mr. Patrick Harvey). Director Waskom of GOHSEP advised the Governor on Friday night and on Saturday morning during our daily briefing, Governor Edwards approved the use of the aircraft to prevent further damage. The flights began on early Saturday afternoon, and continued all day Sunday (8/28) and all day Monday (8/29). The levee in question does provide protection to both an electrical substation, LA Hwy 23 and the Phillips Refinery during periods of high tide. City of Hammond, LA: Air Traffic Control Tower Improvements in Hammond, LA DRA Investment $150,000 | Other Public Investment $186,666 | Total Investment $336,666 The City of Hammond to make improvements to the Air Traffic Control Tower at Hammond Northshore Regional Airport. Kisatchie Delta Regional Planning & Development District/Alexandria, LA: GO-Biz GROW-Biz (Replacement) DRA Investment $142,103 | Other Public Investment $17,400 | Total Investment $159,503 The KD GO-Biz GROW-Biz program will provide multi-stage small business development education and training and cultivation and capacity building of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. 68

APPENDIX B

Town of St. Joseph, LA: Town of St. Joseph Water System DRA Investment $597,330 | Other Public Investment $8,603,621 | Total Investment $9,200,951 Replace, repair, and refurbish existing water system infrastructure to provide quality water to the residents and businesses of St. Joseph. Combination of SEDAP & CIF ($359,000 – CIF and $247,330 of SEDAP)

Mississippi 2016 Investments Symonds Water Association/Pace, MS: Symonds Emergency Water and Sewer Repairs DRA Investment $156,396 | Total Investment $156,396 The Symonds Water Association proposes to use funding to address the emergency of no potable water and very limited sanitary sewer service. Town of Coahoma, MS: Town of Coahoma Sewer Improvements DRA Investment $26,250 | Other Public Investment $450,000 | Total Investment $476,250 The project will consist of installing a Package Wastewater Treatment Plant that will help reduce the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Ammonia Nitrate (N) limits under the town’s discharge permit. Humphreys County/Belzoni, MS: Humphreys County Urgent Care DRA Investment $307,000 | Other Public Investment $581,889 | Total Investment $888,889 Humphreys County will assist in the establishment of an Urgent Care Clinic in cooperation with the University of Mississippi Medical Center. City of Moorhead, MS: City of Moorhead Lighting Improvement Project DRA Investment $44,232 | Other Public Investment $589,750 | Total Investment $633,982 The City of Moorhead, The Sunflower County Board of Supervisors and the Mississippi Delta Community College proposes to install much needed lighting alongside the Hwy 3 Corridor from Hwy 82 to MDCC. City of Lexington, MS: Emergency Sewer Repair DRA Investment $36,107 | Other Public Investment $3,439 | Total Investment $39,546 Two areas in the City of Lexington have sewer lines that have caved in, causing sinkholes in the city streets and backing up residential sewer lines, which are health and safety hazards. Truelight Redevelopment Group, Inc./Yazoo City, MS: Truelight Water System Improvements DRA Investment $337,300 | Total Investment $337,300 Truelight Redevelopment Group proposes a 2 phase project to drill a new water well, connect its two water systems to provide safe drinking water and extend service to 40 unserved households. City of Itta Bena, MS: Itta Bena Lagoon Improvements DRA Investment $255,200 | Total Investment $255,200 Install twenty-five, five (5) hp aerators in the existing three cell lagoon to meet MDES Permit No. MS0020915 permit limits. 69

APPENDIX B

Mississippi 2016 Investments

Missouri 2016 Investments

Quitman County/Marks, MS: Quitman County AMTRAK DRA Investment $300,000 | Other Public Investment $900,000 | Total Investment $1,200,000 (CIF - $300K and SEDAP $300K) This project will install an embarkation point for the AMTRAK train system in Quitman County, Mississippi.

Dawt, Missouri Preservation Society/Tecumseh, MO: Dawt Mill Dam Removal DRA Investment $86,625 | Total Investment $86,625 The proposed project seeks to remove approximately 290 feet of the 425 foot wide mill dam at Historic Dawt Mill in Ozark County, Missouri.

Save the Children/Duncan, MS: Mississippi Readers-to-Leaders Project DRA Investment $100,000 | Other Public Investment $150,000 | Total Investment $250,000 Save the Children will provide job development, through extensive, ongoing training and technical assistance, and resources to build a talented pool of education paraprofessionals in rural Mississippi. Delta Blues Museum/Clarksdale, MS: Delta Blues Museum: The Story of America’s Music DRA Investment $168,903 | Other Public Investment $1,500,000 | Total Investment $1,668,903 This project involves the fabrication and construction of new permanent exhibits at the Delta Blues Museum. Town of Webb, MS: Webb Emergency Well Repair DRA Investment $53,788 | Total Investment $53,788 Well No. 2 in the Town of Webb is not in operation due to the pump’s poor condition and lack of adequate chlorination equipment and must be rehabbed to provide essential water. Lincoln County/Brookhaven, MS: Brookhaven Industrial Park Transportation Infrastructure Project DRA Investment $1,250,000 | Other Public Investment $1,000,000 | Total Investment $2,250,000 Repair of critical industrial access roads serving the Brookhaven Industrial Park. City of Hollandale, MS: City of Hollandale Water System Improvement Project DRA Investment $450,000 | Total Investment $450,000 Hollandale’s water system is in dire need of repairs and improvements in order to fix the line breaks, pressure issues, deterioration, and other problems that causes residents to be without water.

Missouri Delta Medical Center/Sikeston, MO: Missouri Delta’s Gero-Psych Department Expansion DRA Investment $206,000 | Other Public Investment $1,722,806 | Total Investment $1,928,806 Missouri Delta Medical Center (MDMC) is looking to expand it’s gero-psychiatric inpatient program by renovating an existing wing to meet the requirements for this type of service. Marquette Tech District Foundation, Inc./Cape Girardeau, MO: Marquette Tech District Fiber Optic Network DRA Investment $75,163 | Total Investment $75,163 The Marquette Tech District is a regional innovation hub in Cape Girardeauâ€™s historic downtown leveraging $25 million in private investment, creating 350 jobs and $42 million annual economic impact. Big Springs Medical Association, Inc. d/b/a Missouri Highlands Health Care/Ellington, MO: Critical Lab Access DRA Investment $192,365 | Other Public Investment $80,000 | Total Investment $272,365 Missouri Highlands Health Care will utilize DRA funding for the start-up of a critical lab in Ellington, Missouri, filling a gap resulting from the hospital’s closure and loss of lab services. Texas County Memorial Hospital/Houston, MO: Texas County Memorial Hospital (TCMH) New Surgery Center Infill DRA Investment $150,000 | Other Public Investment $790,500 | Total Investment $940,500 In striving to replace an outdated 40 year old surgery area, TCMH is seeking to complete the infill portion of a new 6,000 sq. ft. shell building to make it a fully functional modern surgical center. Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission/Poplar Bluff, MO: Emergency 911 Service DRA Investment $231,250 | Total Investment $231,250 The proposed project includes the mapping of Carter, Ripley & Wayne Counties in Southeast Missouri to prepare them as region for the installation of a 911 Universal Emergency Number calling system.

City of Cleveland, MS: Cleveland Phase 1 Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project DRA Investment $1,014,000 | Other Public Investment $8,430,000 | Total Investment $9,444,000 The City of Cleveland proposes to utilize DRA funds along with local and State Revolving Loan Funds to construct Phase 1 of a multimillion dollar overall sanitary sewer system improvement project.

Three Rivers Community College/Poplar Bluff, MO: TRCC ITV Improvements DRA Investment $103,000 | Other Public Investment $305,370 | Total Investment $408,370 The proposed project is to purchase and install ITV equipment in 12 classrooms at various satellite campuses of Three Rivers Community College in southeast Missouri.

Adams County/Natchez, MS: Bellwood Levee - Phase 1 DRA Investment $1,266,500 | Other Public Investment $1,059,000 | Total Investment $2,325,500 Adams County would like to utilize DRA funds to build a protective levee around a 100 acre section of county owned land at their port for industrial use. They are currently out of industrial property.

City of Park Hills, MO: Parkway Rail Crossing DRA Investment $80,000 | Other Public Investment $24,000 | Private Investment $2,500,000 | Total Investment $2,604,000 The city of Park Hills seeks to improve the rail crossing serving Piramal Glass on Parkway Drive. The proposed project will relocate a rail joint within the existing crossing and improve the approach.

City of Leland, MS: Leland Water System Improvements DRA Investment $900,000 | Other Public Investment $232,859 | Total Investment $1,132,859 The City of Leland proposes to utilize DRA funds and local funds to install a new water well, construct a new elevated water tank and make distribution improvements to tie old and new together.

Mississippi County Port Authority/East Prairie, MO: Improvements to Dorena II and Hickman II DRA Investment $22,646 | Other Public Investment $86,057 | Total Investment $108,703 Improve/replace items on the Dorena II tug and Hickman II barge,such as: engine, generators, winches, winch motors, throttles, chairs, call system, fire extinguisher, and public address system.

The City of Indianola, MS: Indianola Grocery Store DRA Investment $256,000 | Total Investment $256,000 The City of Indianola is requesting DRA replacement funds for the renovation of a vacant, city-owned building to bring it to an inhabitable “vanilla box” for lease to Turner’s Cash Saver grocery. 70

APPENDIX B

New Bourbon Regional Port Authority/Perryville, MO: New Bourbon Port/Levee Repair and Renovation DRA Investment $1,250,000 | Other Public Investment $7,375,000 | Total Investment $8,625,000 The project will repair damage to the port and levee caused by the 2016 New Year’s flooding, along with constructing flood control enhancements to protect the area for potential flooding in the future.

APPENDIX B

APPENDIX C: INVESTMENT DATA

Tennessee 2016 Investments Dyer County, TN: Devely Mustard and Condiment Corporation-New Industry for Dyersburg DRA Investment $200,000 | Other Public Investment $252,000 | Private Investment $20,000,000 | Total Investment $20,452,000 The proposed project will provide water, sewer, and gas line materials for a construction project serving the Develey Mustard and Condiments Company. The industry will create 150 new jobs. Paris Industrial Development Board/Paris, TN: Offsite Storage to Serve Euro Tranciatura DRA Investment $150,000 | Other Public Investment $692,000 | Private Investment $12,000,000 | Total Investment $12,842,000 The proposed project includes the construction of a storage facility to house rolled steel, large wire rolls, and other manufacturing materials delivered by rail. City of Martin: Staging Area to Serve MTD Products in Martin,TN DRA Investment $150,000 | Other Public Investment $500,000 | Private Investment $30,000,000 | Total Investment $30,650,000 The proposed project includes the construction of a staging area for large trucks waiting to unload at MTD products in Martin, TN. The proposed project will include adding more than 2,000LF of road. Benton County, TN: Jones Plastic Expansion-Industrial Access Road DRA Investment $150,000 | Other Public Investment $375,000 | Private Investment $3,000,000 | Total Investment $3,525,000 The proposed project will include the construction of an industrial access road serving the new expansion of the Jones Plastic Products site in Camden,TN. Preliminary Engineering is not yet available. City of Tiptonville, TN: Riverine Fisheries of the Port of Cates Landing-Pretreatment Facility Construction DRA Investment $80,000 | Other Public Investment $410,000 | Private Investment $9,500,000 | Total Investment $9,990,000 The proposed project would include the addition of a pretreatment facility to port sewer main. The pretreatment unit would eliminate waste from fish processing before entering the sewer system. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee/Nashville, TN: Western Branch Distribution Center DRA Investment $150,000 | Other Public Investment $3,602,700 | Total Investment $3,752,700 A food recovery and distribution center will be constructed and staffed on property in the Benton County Industrial Park, providing hunger relief and economic impact to nine DRA counties in Tennessee. Artspace Projects Inc./Memphis, TN: Artspace Projects Inc. DRA Investment $150,000 | Other Public Investment $17,502,768 | Total Investment $17,652,768 The South Main Artspace Lofts is a mixed-use affordable live/work housing and commercial project for low-income families that will provide workforce and economic development to revitalize the area. Southwest Human Resource Agency/Henderson, TN: Inside Out Dad/Responsible Mom Program DRA Investment $38,063 | Other Public Investment $5,000 | Total Investment $43,063 The Inside Out Dad/Responsible Mom project is a jail program designed to aid inmates in learning parenting skills and aiding in job placement once released. Town of Hornbeak, TN: Town of Hornbeak Emergency Operations Center DRA Investment $250,000 | Other Public Investment $430,244 | Total Investment $680,244 The proposed project includes the construction of an Emergency Response and Training Center. The building will be approximately 7,730 sqft.

City of Henderson, TN: City of Henderson Water Line Extension Project DRA Investment $119,819 | Other Public Investment $13,315 | Total Investment $133,134 The City of Henderson/Chester County is requesting grant funds to provide potable water to the Proctor Road area residents. This project would benefit 137 homes and 370 residents.

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