111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. CON. RES. 78 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Honoring the work and mission of the Delta Regional Authority on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Federal-State partnership created to uplift the 8-State Delta region.

Whereas President Clinton, with the approval of Congress and the bipartisan support of congressional sponsors, representing the States of the Delta in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, launched the Delta Regional Authority on December 21, 2000, in an effort to alleviate the economic hardship facing the Delta region and to create a more level playing field for the counties and parishes of such States to compete for jobs and investment; Whereas the Delta Regional Authority is a Federal-State partnership that serves 252 counties and parishes in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; Whereas the Delta region holds great promise for access and trade, as the region borders the world’s greatest transportation arterial in the Mississippi River; Whereas the Delta boasts a strong cultural heritage as the birthplace of the blues and jazz music and as home to world famous cuisine, which people throughout the United States and the world identify with the region; Whereas the counties and parishes served by the Delta Regional Authority constitute an economically-distressed area facing challenges such as undeveloped infrastructure systems, insufficient transportation options, struggling education systems, migration out of the region, substandard health care, and the needs to develop, recruit, and retain a qualified workforce and to build strong communities that attract new industries and employment opportunities; Whereas the Delta Regional Authority has made significant progress toward addressing such challenges during its first 10 years of work; Whereas the Delta Regional Authority operates a highly successful grant program in each of the 8 States it serves, allowing cities, counties, and parishes to leverage money from other Federal agencies and private investors; Whereas the Delta Regional Authority has invested nearly $86,200,000 into more than 600 projects during the first decade of existence, leveraging $1,400,000,000 in private sector investment and producing an overall 22 to 1 return on taxpayer dollars; Whereas the Delta Regional Authority is working with partners to create or retain approximately 19,000 jobs and is bringing the critical infrastructure to sustain new water and sewer services for more than 43,000 families; Whereas an independent report from the Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service found that per capita income grew more rapidly in counties and parishes where the Delta Regional Authority had the greatest investment, showing that each additional dollar of Delta Regional Authority's per capita spending results in a $15 increase in personal income; Whereas the Delta Regional Authority has developed a culture of transparency, passing 9 independent audits showing tangible results; Whereas during its first 10 years, the Delta Regional Authority has laid a strong foundation for working with State Governors, Federal partners, community leaders, and private sector investors to capitalize on the region’s strong points and serve as an economic multiplier for the 8-State region, helping communities tackle challenges and cultivating a climate conducive to job creation; Whereas the Delta Regional Authority has expanded its regional initiatives in the areas of health care, transportation, leadership training, and information technology, and is also increasing efforts in the areas of small business development, entrepreneurship, and alternative energy jobs; and Whereas the Delta Regional Authority stands prepared to use the groundwork established during its first decade as a springboard to create new opportunities for Delta communities in the future: Now, therefore, be it

That the Congress— (1)recognizes the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Delta Regional Authority; and (2)honors and celebrates the Delta Regional Authority's first decade of work to improve the economy and well-being of the 8-State Delta region, and the promise of the Delta Regional Authority's continued work in the future.

Passed the Senate December 22, 2010. Secretary