DRA announces $3.4 million in Black Belt community improvement projects

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) has announced a $3,448,973 investment in community improvement projects across the Black Belt, including Selma and Marion. 

The investment will be matched by $9.6 million and is said will attract $440 million in leveraged private investment (LPI) into the region, said the announcement.

There are a total of 13 projects that are expected to affect more than 5,100 families, create or retain 1,091 jobs and train 200 people. 

One of the projects will be Arsenal Place in Selma. The funds will be used to complete the second floor of the 22 Church Street location with an investment of $206,000. This project is expected to train 200 people. 

Two projects will take place in Marion with one being the TekPak access road. The Perry County Commission will use funds for an access road at the TekPak facility. The DRA's investment is $206,000 with a total investment of $818,100. The TekPak project is projected to 36 jobs and retain 149. 

The Marion Military Institute Flight Training Career Development Program will create a three-year plan to train civilian and military pilots. The DRA's investment is $135,805 with a total investment of $150,305. 

“Delta Regional Authority works to bolster community revitalization and economic prosperity within the Delta and Alabama Black Belt,” said DRA Alternate Federal Co-Chairwoman Leslie Durham.

“By strategically investing federal dollars into physical and human infrastructure, DRA helps alleviate the critical needs of the region in order to improve quality of life for our residents.”