Kentucky Governor Named States’ Co-Chair of Delta Regional Authority

His term as DRA States’ Co-Chair is follows his term as States’ Co-Chair of the Appalachain Regional Commission,

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 25, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear has been elected by his fellow Delta region governors to serve as the States’ Co-Chair of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) for 2024. In this role, Gov. Beshear will work alongside Federal Co-Chair Dr. Corey Wiggins to lead the DRA in bolstering economic and community growth across the eight states of the region.

“Western Kentucky has seen record investment from the Delta Regional Authority in recent years, and I’m honored to have been selected as the States’ Co-Chair,” said Gov. Beshear. “The DRA funds projects that attract new investment and jobs to our region, improving the lives of our people. I look forward to working with my fellow DRA governors, as well as Dr. Wiggins, to continue the momentum across the Delta region.”

In 2022, Kentucky received the most investment in the state’s history from the DRA’s States’ Economic Development Assistance Program at $1.6 million.

“DRA is pleased to have Gov. Beshear serve as our next States’ Co-Chair,” said Dr. Wiggins. “I am confident that with his shared leadership, DRA will prioritize investments throughout the entire lower Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt regions. Together, with our Board of Governors, we will work to ensure equitable and inclusive access to funding opportunities that will result in economic growth across the region.”

About the Delta Regional Authority
DRA was established in 2000 as a formal framework for joint federal-state collaboration to promote and encourage the economic development of the lower Mississippi River region and Alabama Black Belt. DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic public infrastructure, workforce training and business development. DRA’s mission is to help create jobs, build communities and improve the lives of those who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state region.

Gov. Beshear’s term as DRA States’ Co-Chair is follows his term as States’ Co-Chair of the Appalachain Regional Commission, which serves Appalachian Kentucky.