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

“I am pleased to announce $100,000 for the St. Francis Transportation Commission to help fund the next phase of the St. Francis County transportation mall. The development of this 200-acre site will serve the trucking industry by eventually becoming the largest truck stop and transportation mall in the U.S. The transportation needs of rural states are many, but the more projects we can implement such as this one, the more growth our rural towns, counties and states will be able to sustain.

“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 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. U.S. Representative Berry and U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln sponsored the legislation creating the DRA. Berry currently sits on the Energy and Water subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee that overseas funding for the Delta Regional Authority.