Hardin County General Hospital expansion of new outpatient rehabilitation clinic included in DRA investment

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) made a $957,756 investment that will strengthen public infrastructure and train the next generation of workforce to grow the region’s economy and create jobs, DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced.
Seven new investments will provide funding for projects supporting water and sewer system improvements, innovative job training programs, and crucial healthcare services in communities across southern Illinois through DRA and other public and private resources.
“DRA’s mission is to support economic development by making investments into the physical infrastructure and human capital of the Delta region,” said Chairman Caldwell. “These investments will provide much needed improvements to water and sewer systems, medical facilities, and industry-driven workforce training programs to provide greater economic opportunities for Illinois residents and businesses.”
Funding for these projects is provided by the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program, DRA’s flagship grant program that makes strategic investments into projects supporting basic public infrastructure, transportation improvements, workforce training and education, and business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. DRA coordinates directly with the Office of the Governor for Southern Illinois and five local development districts in the state for program funding implementation.
Illinois’s congressional delegation issued the following statements:
“The seven projects supported by these funds are all critically important to their community’s infrastructure and economy,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). “I will continue working alongside the Delta Regional Authority to ensure Southern Illinois’ communities have access to the federal resources they need to thrive.”
“Investments like these help communities across Southern Illinois with improving workforce training, modernizing their infrastructure and increasing healthcare access,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). “I’ll continues working with the Delta Regional Authority to make sure these communities have the resources they need to strengthen their local economies.”
“Throughout my time in Congress, job creation and infrastructure improvement have been priorities of mine,” said Congressman Mike Bost (R – 12th District). “Targeted investments like these have helped to create and support thousands of jobs in our region, and I look forward to working more with the Delta Regional Authority in the future to foster public-private partnerships and encourage job growth and economic development in Southern Illinois.”

ILLINOIS INVESTMENT
PROJECTS –
Benton Water System Improvements | Benton, IL: The City of Benton will use DRA funds to upgrade their water system and increase its capacity to provide services to nearby residents and businesses. This investment is projected to create one new job, retain 24, and impact 30 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. DRA Investment: $206,000; Total Project Investment: $335,777
Rend Lake College CDL Training | Ina, IL: Rend Lake College will use DRA funds to develop a CDL training program and connect prospective students to Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs approved and recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. This investment is projected to train 40 individuals for in-demand careers. DRA Investment: $193,880; Total Project Investment: $280,880
Herrin Sewer System Replacement | Herrin, IL: The City of Herrin will use DRA funds to replace the existing sanitary sewer lines and major components of two lift stations to provide better services for residents and businesses in the region. This investment is projected to impact 432 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. DRA Investment: $166,650; Total Project Investment: $327,690
Port of Cairo Industrial Building Renovations | Mounds, IL: Southern Illinois Stimulus Corporation will use DRA funds to make renovations to an industrial building located at the Port of Cairo to support future commercial development in the region. This investment is projected to create 16 new jobs. DRA Investment: $123,180; Total Project Investment: $240,693
Sesser Water System Improvements | Sesser, IL: The City of Sesser will use DRA funds to upgrade major components of their water system to provide better services to nearby residents and businesses. This investment is projected to impact 12 families who will benefit from improved water and sewer services. DRA Investment: $108,322; Total Project Investment: $120,358
Hardin County General Hospital Expansion | Rosiclare, IL: Hardin County General Hospital will use DRA funds to acquire a former retail pharmacy building to convert it into a new outpatient rehabilitation clinic to provide more services to their patients. This investment is projected to create two new jobs and retain 139. DRA Investment: $85,050; Total Project Investment: $95,050
Carbondale Fiber Optic Cable Extension | Carbondale, IL: The Southern Illinois Airport Authority will use DRA funds to install fiber optic cable to service two existing companies and provide opportunities for future development on their campus. This investment is projected to create one new job and retain one. DRA Investment: $74,494; Total Project Investment: $229,877
About the Delta Regional Authority –
Established in 2000 by Congress, the Delta Regional Authority makes strategic investments of federal appropriations into the physical and human infrastructure of Delta communities. Led by the Delta Regional Authority Board-comprised of the Federal Co-Chairman, appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and the governors of the eight states-the Delta Regional Authority fosters local and regional partnerships that address economic and social challenges to ultimately strengthen the Delta economy and the quality of life for Delta residents. The Delta Regional Authority works to improve regional economic opportunity by helping to create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of the 10 million people who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state Delta region.