Governor Bentley Named States’ Co-Chair for Delta Regional Authority

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Governor Robert Bentley on Saturday was named the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) States’ Co-Chair while at the annual National Governor’s Association Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Governor Bentley was selected to serve as the States’ Co-Chair, by the governors that form the DRA, replacing Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. Governor Bentley will join Federal Co-Chair Chris Masingill in coordinating the work of the DRA.

“As Governor of Alabama, I am devoted to helping people flourish in their daily lives in any way that I can. As the newly elected States’ Co-Chair, I will equally seek to help the 10 million Americans who reside in the Delta region, by improving their quality of life,” Governor Bentley said. “I’m truly honored to be selected to serve in this capacity by my fellow governors, and I’m excited to partner with Chairman Masingill in leading the DRA’s initiatives.”

Established in 2000 by Congress, the Delta Regional Authority serves as a federal-state partnership that works with local development districts, utilizes market-proven processes to grow economic outcomes and enhances the quality of life of the residents in the Delta region.

“DRA is grateful for Gov. Bentley’s willingness to serve and provide his leadership expertise to our board and our agency, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on DRA’s work of helping create jobs, improving lives and building communities,” DRA Federal Co-Chair Masingill said. “We are also extremely thankful for Gov. Phil Byrant’s service to DRA, and his passion and commitment to the Delta.”

Within the eight states, the DRA serves 252 counties and parishes including 20 counties in Alabama. The Alabama counties in the DRA include: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Russell, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox.

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