Delta Regional Authority Grants

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is a federal-state partnership that represents 252 counties in eight states along the lower Mississippi River Delta. The DRA is focused on creating jobs, building communities, and improving lives of the more than 10 million people of the Delta Region. The Mission is to advance its communities through the practical application of innovative ideas and strategies that foster inclusive communities, achieve sustained, long-term economic development, and produce meaningful opportunities for all Delta people. Projects are targeted to the Strategic Goals of improved workforce competitiveness, strengthened infrastructure, and increased community capacity.

The DRA is led by a Board of Directors that includes the Governors of the eight states and a Federal Co-Chairman. Brooxie Carlton serves as Governor Lee's designee to the board, and Senator Brian Kelsey serves as the alternate board member.

Applications for funding are generally accepted each summer, and there is approximately $1 million available for projects in the 21 counties of West Tennessee. For more information on applying for funding, see DRA’s website. The level of assistance is typically limited to $200,000.

DRA’s Strategic Plan, the Regional Development Plan III, outlines DRA’s priorities, and the corresponding plan from the State of Tennessee outlines how Tennessee plans to implement the DRA mission and vision.