Public Information Forum
On Delta Regional Authority Funding

At Meramec Regional Planning Commission
4 Industrial Dr.
St. James, MO  65559
5:30 p.m.

February 8, 2007

Call to Order:
Connie Willman called the February 8, 2007 DRA Public Information Forum on Regional Authority Funding program to order at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the large conference room at MRPC.

Attendance:
See attached sign in sheet.

Business:
Connie reported that the Delta Regional Authority has announced the availability of grant funds for qualifying projects but total Missouri allocation is not yet known. Delta Regional Authority (DRA) was designed to remedy severe and chronic economic distress by stimulating economic development and foster partnerships that will have a positive impact on the region’s economy.

The Meramec counties of Crawford, Dent, Phelps and Washington counties are included in the DRA. Mary Heywood of Bourbon is the state DRA representative.

There are 29 DRA counties in the state of Missouri, represented by five regional planning commissions: Meramec, Southeast Missouri, South Central Ozark, Ozark Foothills and Bootheel.

Eligible projects include basic infrastructure development and transportation improvements, basic public services improvements, business development and job training services. DRA grants are available to participating member states, public and non-profit entities.

Pre-applications are due to Local Development Districts no later than March 7. Connie distributed the DRA Uniform Grant Pre-Application Form to everyone. Communities needing assistance can call Amy McMillen at 573-265-2993.

Connie listed the 2007 DRA Grants – Timeline, as follows:
March 7 (no later than noon) – all pre-applications due to Local Development districts, to be screened for completeness
March 21 – LDDs send applications to DRA and state
April 25 – Federal Co-Chairman determines eligibility
May 25 – Participating state members select approved projects and notify Federal Co-chairman
May 29 – Federal Co-Chairman issues “Invitations to Apply” to Governors’ selections
July 10 – Applications must be prepared and received by DRA
August 31 – DRA staff review applications and forward to Governors
September 12- Governors evaluate and certify projects
September 19 – DRA votes on funding projects
September 20 – Region’s members of Congress notified
September 25 – Region’s Governors notified
September 30 – Applicants notified

Important points to remember:

• Projects should fit the priorities
• Projects should be complete
• Project beneficiaries should be identified/qualified
• Project should fit into regional and/or statewide plan
• Project should have local leveraging  

Mary Heywood said that DED will be taking over choosing the projects. She suggested having a larger project and breaking the project into sections - showing the progress in different phases.

Adjourn:
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.