Economic Development

Greater Egypt serves as the Region’s Economic Development District for the Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Local Development District for the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). Greater Egypt utilizes funds made available by the member local governments and EDA to complete an ongoing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Funds from EDA and DRA also allow Greater Egypt to work within the region to develop economic development projects and seek funds for their implementation.

In addition, Greater Egypt provides grant administration for entities within the District for local, state, and federal programs such as: Economic Development Administration grants, Delta Regional Authority grants, and the Community Development Block Grant.

 

Economic Development Administration (EDA)

  • History
    • The EDA was established under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 as an agency of the United States Department of Commerce to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically troubled areas of the United States.
    • The EDA and Greater Egypt have been partnering for over 50-years to help the region compete globally.
      • What is an Economic Development District (EDD)?
        • An EDD is a grouping of economically interdependent counties working together to further economic progress.
        • An EDD develops and promotes the implementation of plans and economic growth, and thus strives to reduce unemployment and to increase per capita income.
        • As an EDD for the five county Greater Egypt region we qualify for EDA’s partnership planning grant.  This grant allows us to complete an ongoing Comprehensive Development Strategy process and promote the implementation of the strategy.

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  • Greater Egypt’s Role
    • To be part of a national network of regional collaborators that bring access to resources.
    • To be a catalyst for the region.
    • To maintain the district’s eligibility for EDA funding by completing the required Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
    • To promote the implementation of the CEDS by providing technical assistance with the preparation of grant applications to numerous state and federal programs.
    • To assist with the implementation and administration of awarded grants from and EDA and other federal and state organizations.
  • Results-Driven Partnership
    • The Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission (Greater Egypt) serves as an Economic Development District (EDD) for the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Greater Egypt receives an EDA Partnership Planning grant and in 2020 received a CARES Act supplemental grant to create and implement a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the region. The funds also allow Greater Egypt to assist with the development of potential EDA-funded projects. Current projects under construction utilizing EDA grants, and other funding sources, in the Greater Egypt District, include Jefferson County $1,507,478 for road improvements, Southern Illinois Airport $7,069,516 for construction of additional Hangars, the City of West Frankfort $2,070,950 retail infrastructure and roadway work. The total cost of the above projects is $16,462,001.
    • Over 150 grants have been funded by the EDA.
    • More than $51 million in federal EDA funds have been awarded.
    • In excess of $38 million state and local funds were secured to match the federal funds.
    • Greater than $89 million invested into projects focused on creating jobs and economic opportunities in the district were realized as a result of the EDA-Greater Egypt partnership.
    • Through 2010 the partnership has resulted in the creation and retention of more than 7,000 jobs, and over $350,000,00 in private sector investment within the region.

Prior Grant Recipients Include:

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Delta Regional Authority (DRA)

  • History
    • The Delta region, made up of 252 counties and parishes in eight states, is one of the most historic, culturally rich parts of the country. Yet, daily life remains a struggle for many. Through strategic economic development investments in the Delta region’s communities, families and businesses, the Delta Regional Authority strives to create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of the nearly 10 million people in the Delta region.

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  • Greater Egypt’s Role
    • Greater Egypt is a DRA designated Local Development District and services the four DRA counties in the Greater Egypt District (Jefferson County is not in DRA).  As an LDD, Greater Egypt, works within the district to aid in the development of projects, and is a front-line project manager for DRA projects.
  • Results-Driven Partnership
    • Greater Egypt works with applicants for the DRA’s 2021 States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP). A list of 2020 grantees can be found here.
    • Since the start of the 2016 funding cycle:
      • The DRA has invested $1,331,058 into the Greater Egypt District.
      • 8 projects have been funded at an average of $166,382.
      • $24,474,309 total investment in the Greater Egypt District.

Examples of Previously Funded Projects Include:

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