[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 167 (Thursday, December 16, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2167] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY (DRA) _____ HON. JO ANN EMERSON of missouri in the house of representatives Thursday, December 16, 2010 Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Delta Regional Authority, DRA, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Ten years ago, President Clinton signed into law legislation establishing the DRA. He did so with the widespread bipartisan support of Members of Congress who were eager to give this region a strong foothold up the ladder to success. The DRA has proven to be effective in leveling the playing field for the Delta region. The DRA helps connect opportunity with the sheer grit, intelligence, and willpower that already exists in the people of the region. For ten years, DRA has made great strides in bridging the gaps that have kept the region isolated from progress. The DRA is a federal-state partnership that serves 252 counties and parishes in parts of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri. These counties and parishes hold great promise for access and trade in bordering the world's greatest transportation arterial--the Mississippi River. It has been a privilege for me to work alongside DRA and the people of the Delta region over the years. The educators, healthcare providers, farmers, local officials, small business owners and workers in this part of the country have all made meaningful contributions to overcome unique challenges and make the Delta region a wonderful place to live and work. The people of the Delta region are fortunate to have a reliable federal partner in the DRA. In its first ten years of work, the DRA has made significant progress tackling the region's unique challenges. For example, the DRA operates a highly successful grant program in each of the eight states it serves, allowing cities and counties to leverage money from other federal agencies and private investors. An independent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service found that per capita income grew more rapidly in counties where the DRA had the greatest investment. Anyone who knows what it is like to live and work in an area without the most basic infrastructure systems will understand how important the DRA work is to bring critical infrastructure such as new water and sewer services to more than 43,000 families. I look forward to working with the DRA as it continues to expand its regional initiatives in the areas of health care, transportation, leadership training and information technology, small business development and entrepreneurship, and alternative energy jobs. I am proud to recognize the DRA's first ten years of achievements, and I look forward to working with the DRA to build an even stronger region for our future. ____________________