Northeast Louisiana Delta Rural EC
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State: Louisiana
Parish (Census Tracts): Madison (9601, 9602, 9603, 9604)
Community Population: 9,656
Community Area: 621 square miles
Unemployment Rate: 13.1%
Poverty Rate: 48.75%
Education: 53% of residents 25 years or older are without a high school diploma
Overview
The Northeast Louisiana Delta Enterprise Community vision is to create an area with decent and affordable housing, in safe and caring communities with emphasis placed on family values and community pride. The mission is focused on three strategies: revitalization of distressed communities within Madison Parish and surrounding area, creating livable and vibrant communities, and providing an environment that encourages "grassroots" participation by all community inhabitants.
The application focuses on community development to provide the environment for sustaining job growth. The applicant has proposed an impressive array of social/human services and programs. The projects outlined in the strategic plan correspond directly to concerns prioritized by the community. These concerns are documented in the videos and written comments included as part of the plan.
Key Activities
Economic Opportunity-Creation and recruitment of value-added businesses for locally produced agricultural products is the main thrust of the economic development effort. The plan also includes provisions for capitalizing on the new regional airport. Revitalizing the downtown area and developing local businesses through a Small and Minority Business Loan Program are other key components of the plan.
Community Building:
In order to promote positive interaction between people of different races, the applicant proposes building a centrally located park and recreational facility.
Sustainable Economic and Community Development:
The applicant focuses on education, housing, health care, and day care to help improve the quality of life in the community. The educational activities include an expanded Head Start program, enrichment activities for K-12 students, a local Associate Degree program, and adult literacy training. An innovative "Rent-to-Own" project and repair/replacement of substandard housing program highlight the housing component. Recruiting additional health care providers to the parish is the cornerstone for improving health statistics in the area and the day care program will allow welfare mothers to move into the workforce without sacrificing quality care for their children.
Major Public Sector Commitments
State and local resources are being coordinated with on-going federal investments in various social services and business development projects. For example, the local hospital will make space available to create a regional one-stop health care facility, the state is managing the major road improvement projects, and federal resources are provide various job training and human services.
Major Private Sector Commitments
Several banks have pledged assistance in financing projects associated with EC activities.
Contact:
Name: Moses Junior Williams Address: 400 E. Craig St., Ste. B Tallulah, LA 71282 Phone: 318-574-0995 Fax: 318-574-3132 Email: neladeltacdc@aol.com
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