USDA Director named “Delta Distinguished” by Delta Regional Authority

Trina George

Special To The Mississippi Link

JACKSON – Trina George, Director of Mississippi USDA Rural Development has been named the Delta Regional Authority’s, May 2012, “Delta Distinguished” Award Recipient.

Each year at the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), a special selection committee led by its Federal Co-Chairman, Chris Masingill, names 12 leaders and change agents throughout the Delta for an honor known as “Delta’s Distinguished.”

Recipients of this award have dedicated his or her life’s work to serving the Delta region and inspiring lasting change throughout their community, state, and nation.

By showcasing a “Delta’s Distinguished” recipient each month, the DRA hopes to motivate others to continue their commitment to creating jobs, building communities, and improving the lives of the people of the Delta.

This distinction was rolled out in November 2011 in conjunction with the DRA’s National Policy Conference.

“It is such an honor to be named a ‘Delta Distinguished’ Award Recipient by the Delta Regional Authority because the organization has proven continuous dedication to delta residents,” George said. “I hope to continue the relationship with the Delta Regional Authority so both agencies can continue to help residents in the Mississippi Delta.”

The DRA works to improve life for the 10 million people who reside in the 252 Delta counties and parishes in parts of eight states.

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 DRA fosters partnerships throughout the region as it works to improve the Delta economy.

In 2000, Congress established the DRA to enhance economic development and improve the quality of life for the hard-working residents of the Delta region. With investments from the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program, formerly the Federal Grant Program, to improve transportation and basic infrastructure, the DRA supports job creation and retention.

Initiatives such as iDelta and the Healthy Delta Initiative ensure that Delta communities are connected and healthy in the 21st century.

The 252 counties and parishes served by the Delta Regional Authority make up the most distressed area of the country. The disparities between the Delta region and the nation as a whole are stark, officials said.

Targeted investments in each of the eight states has created over 6000 jobs and retained nearly the same number of jobs. With a leverage ratio of 23:1, the Delta Regional Authority leveraged $1.4 billion in private investment with DRA projects and helped 17,000 families gain access to clean water and sewer service.

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