WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced over $950,000 in new DRA investments to strengthen Southern Illinois’ infrastructure, workforce, and economy. The investments were made through the DRA States' Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), the agency's main federal funding program that invests in basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure and workforce development projects.
“Throughout my time in Congress, job creation and infrastructure improvement have been priorities of mine,” said Bost. “Targeted investments like these have helped to create and support thousands of jobs in our region, and I look forward to working more with the Delta Regional Authority in the future to foster public-private partnerships and encourage job growth and economic development in Southern Illinois.”
“DRA’s mission is to support economic development by making investments into the physical infrastructure and human capital of the Delta region,” said DRA Chairman Caldwell. “These investments will provide much needed improvements to water and sewer systems, medical facilities, and industry-driven workforce training programs to provide greater economic opportunities for Illinois residents and businesses.”
Of the seven projects announced, six are located in the 12th Congressional District.
1. BENTON: Benton Water System Improvements. DRA Investment: $206,000; Total Project Investment: $335,777. DRA funds will be used to upgrade the city’s water system and increase its capacity so that can serve nearby residents and businesses.
2. INA: Rend Lake College CDL Training. DRA Investment: $193,880; Total Project Investment: $280,880. Funds will be used to develop a CDL training program and connect prospective students to U.S. Department of Labor approved Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs.
3. HERRIN: Herrin Sewer System Replacement. DRA Investment: $166,650; Total Project Investment: $327,690. The City of Herrin will use DRA funds to improve services by replacing existing sanitary sewer lines as well as the major components of two lift stations.
4. MOUNDS: Port of Cairo Industrial Building Renovations. DRA Investment: $123,180; Total Project Investment: $240,693. The Southern Illinois Stimulus Corporation will use the funds to support future commercial development by renovating an industrial building at the Port of Cairo.
5. SESSER: Sesser Water System Improvements. DRA Investment: $108,322; Total Project Investment: $120,358. The City of Sesser will use DRA funds to upgrade major components of their water system to provide better services to nearby residents and businesses.
6. CARBONDALE: Carbondale Fiber Optic Cable Extension. DRA Investment: $74,494; Total Project Investment: $229,877. Funds will be used by the Southern Illinois Airport Authority to install fiber optic cable service to two companies and provide future development opportunities on their campus.
About DRA:
The Delta Regional Authority is a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to help create jobs, build communities, and improve lives through strategic investments in economic development in 252 counties and parishes across eight states. To date, the DRA’s SEDAP investments, together with its state and local partners, have leveraged more than $4.5 billion in public and private investment into local small business owners, entrepreneurs, workers, and infrastructure development projects. Learn more at dra.gov.
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