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DRA federal co-chair urges leveraging funds for infrastructure, workforce across 255 counties
Summary
Dr. Corey Wiggins, federal co-chair of the Delta Regional Authority, said the agency will focus on infrastructure (water, sewer, transportation), workforce training and sustainable investments to improve quality of life across the 255 counties and parishes it serves in eight states.
Dr. Corey Wiggins, federal co-chair of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), outlined the agency’s priorities in a brief presentation, saying DRA will focus on infrastructure, workforce development and investments intended to deliver sustainable, intergenerational benefits to the Delta region.
“I serve as federal co chair of Delta Regional Authority,” Wiggins said, framing his comments around his personal ties to the region and a commitment to public service. He described the region as “a place of natural resources,” with talent and “beautiful people,” and said that connection drives his work with DRA.
Wiggins said the authority serves 255 counties and parishes across eight states and highlighted core program areas the agency supports: improving public infrastructure such as water and sewer systems and transportation; and expanding access to workforce development and training opportunities. “Whether it is how do you improve the public infrastructure in our region, whether you're talking about water and sewer and transportation opportunities, whether it's leveraging opportunities to improve or increase access to workforce development opportunities,” he said.
He tied the agency’s projects to measurable outcomes, saying DRA tracks jobs created and retained, infrastructure improvements and individuals trained. “For every impact that we're having, every data point that we point to, whether it is jobs created, jobs retained, improve access to infrastructure, individuals trained to workforce development. There's a story, and I believe that story lives in each person that we touch through our funding,” Wiggins said.
Wiggins placed the work in a long-term context as the authority marks 25 years of operations, urging investments that are both amplified and sustainable so they benefit current and future generations. He cited basic needs such as “good drink, clean drinking water” and workforce training that can have “generational impact” on families and communities.
Wiggins closed by reiterating that the DRA’s defining purpose is to leverage investments so they have direct, lasting impact on residents’ quality of life across the region. “It is a story that lives in every community that we serve in the region,” he said.
No formal actions, votes or new program specifics (such as dollar amounts, named grants or timelines) were announced during the remarks.
