MCEDA has been awarded a $450k DRA Grant to construct an access road within the Madison County Mega Site.

Madison County, MS- The Madison County Economic Development Authority is proud to accept a $450,000 investment from the Delta Regional Authority to
construct an access road into the Madison County Megasite to position the region for increased economic development opportunities.

“The Madison County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) is grateful to the Delta Regional Authority for its investment in our mega site access road
project,” said MCEDA Executive Director, Joseph P. Deason. “We look forward to beginning construction on the access road during the fourth quarter
of 2019.

DRA Announces $1.48 Million Investment to Strengthen Mississippi’s Infrastructure

October 03, 2019

DRA’s investment will strengthen basic public infrastructure to spur economic development in communities across Mississippi

CLARKSDALE, MS – Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) made a $1,481,587 investment to strengthen basic public infrastructure
to grow the region’s economy and create jobs, DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell announced.

Four new investments will provide funding for projects supporting water and sewer line extensions and transportation improvements in four communities
through DRA and other public and private resources.

“DRA’s mission is to support economic development by making investments into the physical infrastructure and human capital of the Delta region,” said
Chairman Caldwell. “These investments will provide much needed improvements to water and sewer systems and extend access roads
to provide greater economic opportunities for Mississippi residents and businesses.”

Funding for these projects is provided by the Community Infrastructure Fund,
DRA’s secondary grant program that makes strategic investments into projects supporting basic public infrastructure, transportation improvements,
and flood control. DRA coordinates directly with the Office of the Governor for the State of Mississippi and nine local development districts in
the state for program funding implementation.

Mississippi: 2019 Investment Snapshot

State # of Projects DRA Investment Total Investment Jobs Created/Retained Families Affected
MS 4 $1,481,587 $4,848,757 50 11,846

Mississippi’s congressional delegation issued the following statements:

“These investments by the Delta Regional Authority will lay the groundwork for four economic development projects in Mississippi,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wickers (R-MS).
“I expect these improvements will support job creation and new investment opportunities.”

“Dependable water, sewer, and transportation infrastructure are critical to the economic vitality of these rural communities in Mississippi. DRA Investments
in these four projects will support local efforts to encourage economic development and job creation across the region,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.)

“I am appreciative of Delta Regional Authority’s commitment to invest in our communities,” said Congressman Thompson (D – 2nd District).
“Investments like these are important and a necessity to the Delta Region and rural communities in Mississippi.”

“The DRA’s investment in Madison County will help promote future economic development opportunities, which will grow jobs and wages for hard-working
Mississippians. I am grateful for the DRA’s support of these worthy projects,” said Congressman Michael Guest (R – 3rd District).

MISSISSIPPI INVESTMENT PROJECTS

1.Marshall County Water System Expansion | Holly Springs, MS: Marshall County will use DRA funds to expand the capacity of their water
system by extending water lines to the Chickasaw Trails Industrial Park to support future commercial development. DRA Investment: $469,169; Total Project Investment: $719,169

2.Madison County Access Road Development | Canton, MS: Madison County Economic Development Authority will use DRA funds to construct
an access road through the Madison Megasite to position the region for increased economic development opportunities. DRA Investment: $450,000; Total Project Investment: $965,000

3.Panola County Industrial Facility Improvements | Batesville, MS: Panola County will use DRA funds to rehabilitate an existing industrial
building in Sardis, Mississippi by providing enhanced ventilation to extend the life of the facility for private sector occupancy. This investment
is projected to create 50 new jobs DRA Investment: $320,830; Total Project Investment: $2,673,000

4.Union County Industrial Park Utilities Expansion | New Albany, MS: Union County will use DRA funds to expand water and gas utility
services throughout the Martintown Industrial Park Corridor to support existing industry and future company expansions. This investment is projected
to impact 11,846 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. DRA Investment: $241,588; Total Project Investment: $491,588

About the Delta Regional Authority

Established in 2000 by Congress, the Delta Regional Authority makes strategic investments of federal appropriations into the physical and human infrastructure
of Delta communities. Led by the Delta Regional Authority Board-comprised of the Federal Co-Chairman, appointed by the President and confirmed
by the U.S. Senate, and the governors of the eight states-the Delta Regional Authority fosters local and regional partnerships that address economic
and social challenges to ultimately strengthen the Delta economy and the quality of life for Delta residents. The Delta Regional Authority works
to improve regional economic opportunity by helping to create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of the 10 million people who reside
in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state Delta region.