Delta Regional Authority Grants Boost Acadiana Economic Development Projects

Maximizing available resources for economic development is essential in the seven parishes comprising the Acadiana Planning Commission (APC). Through the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), local governments under the APC apply for federal grant funding designated to improve critical infrastructure, increase strategic planning in local governments and build a stronger community through workforce development. 

DRA’s mission: Building a stronger Delta

For over two decades, economic development and basic public infrastructure projects across the south have benefited from DRA’s mission of creating more resilient communities. In south Louisiana, the Acadiana Planning Commission is a DRA-designated local development district and helps eligible parishes, cities and organizations apply for and secure DRA grants.

APC offers technical assistance for grant preparation and planning, writing grant applications and administering any awarded grants. Given the scope of programs offered by DRA, APC’s specialized insights can reduce the time and money each city or parish invests in the application process.

“When you’re applying for these, it helps to have someone with training and experience on the specific grant programs. All kinds of paperwork, procedures and processes are involved, and most of the time, the recipients of these grants are rural communities that don’t have a ton of staff capacity. They don’t have to pay APC to help them out,” Regional Planner Kade Jones said. “If they are not engaged with APC, at least on a very basic level, and not hearing about these things, then they could be missing out on resources that could be extremely beneficial to their towns.”

DRA grants target critical needs and growth

In Acadiana, APC and local governments have worked together to secure millions of dollars for essential water and sewer infrastructure upgrades through DRA while also receiving grants designed to expand business opportunities. These projects are selected to build resilience, create a more skilled workforce and provide the necessities for enhanced economic growth.

DRA grants fall under three umbrellas: critical infrastructure, capacity-building and human infrastructure. The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program, or SEDAP, helps local governments invest in critical needs and growth opportunities in south Louisiana. The Community Infrastructure Fund, or CIF, provides support for flood control as well as improvements to public infrastructure and transportation systems.

For capacity-building, the strategic planning program helps local communities develop a long-term plan for growth by providing up to $150,000 for planning and certain studies, such as marketing or feasibility.

In Acadiana, Abbeville received a planning grant in 2023 and a strategic plan is under development with the Center for Planning and Excellence. Acadiana also has several other DRA-backed projects in progress.

CIF funds are contributing $500,000 to water treatment plant upgrades in Abbeville, while Port Barre has received the same amount to increase capacity at its water treatment facility.

During the fiscal year 2023 SEDAP Funding Cycle, the Acadiana Planning Commission assisted the towns of Leonville and Sunset in securing $500,000 each through the DRA for critical improvements to their wastewater treatment facilities.

A water treatment plant in Opelousas is receiving multiple upgrades, a project that will benefit over 6,500 families. CIF funding through DRA provided $500,000 of $2.8 million in total investment.

In July 2024, DRA awarded a $2 million grant to Acadiana Regional Airport in New Iberia. DRA’s grant, combined with funding from multiple federal and state agencies, will provide the $73 million required to construct a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul hangar and related airport improvements. A local business plans to create 200 new full-time jobs when the project is complete.

A 2022 SEDAP grant of $275,000 for land acquisition also helped push forward a regional project at the Port of Delcambre. The construction of the Acadiana Regional Seafood Hub is a $1.3 million investment supporting Louisiana’s renowned seafood industry while simultaneously creating opportunities for new business development and growth for existing enterprises.

DRA grant opportunities for workforce development

Building and maintaining a strong workforce is crucial for sustained economic growth, so DRA grants also target developing and retaining talent. In 2025, approximately $4 million in Delta Workforce Grants ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 will be awarded. DRA also works with the U.S. Department of Labor on the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative, another program amplifying existing development opportunities and boosting workforce training and education.

The Acadiana Planning Commission is ready to help local organizations, cities and parishes in its district locate grant opportunities and apply for funding. To learn more, visit Funding Opportunities in Acadiana on the APC website or contact APC.