WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1^st) gave the following statement as the Delta Regional Authority presented funds to Blytheville today.

“These funds will go directly to the economic growth of Blytheville. I am proud to announce funds for the Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport. The airport will receive $100,000 to upgrade the airport’s runway in order to encourage commercial development crucial for the growth of Blytheville and the surrounding areas. It is vital projects such as this that will contribute directly to the growth of rural towns across Arkansas.

“The Delta Regional Authority was established to channel resources, aid and guidance for economic development to the Mississippi Delta and I can think of no better use of funds than the rural development projects that will be funded in Arkansas’ First Congressional District.

“Of the eight member states covered by the DRA, Arkansas’ share is the second highest, with nearly a million dollars going to eight projects. I am pleased to have been part of the process that brought these important projects home to Arkansas; projects necessary for the economic development of these towns. I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between the Arkansas’ Congressional delegation and the DRA to ensure needed funds continue to be provided for the state’s Delta region.”

The Delta Regional Authority was created by Congress in 2000 to help alleviate poverty and stimulate economic growth in the Delta regions of eight states bordering the Mississippi River. Representative Berry sponsored the legislation creating the DRA and currently sits on the Energy and Water subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee that overseas funding for the Delta Regional Authority.