Mississippi Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance

Latest Progress Reports

Annual Report
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
 Funding Report

Benchmark Summary Report

Map of Mid Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance

Activity Location Map (Western)
Activity Location Map (Central)
Activity Location Map (Eastern)

State: Mississippi
Counties (Census Tracts): Bolivar (9502, 9503), Sunflower (9503), Leflore (9503), Washington (0001, 0002), Humphreys (9501), Holmes (9501)
Zone Population: 29,457
Zone Area: 981 sq. mi.
Poverty Rate: 45.3% of residents live in poverty
Unemployment Rate: 14.5%
Per Capita Income: $6,584
Education: Over 79% of residents lack a high school diploma

Overview

Significant Projects: A $900,000 investment the MDEZA made for infrastructure for a new Dollar General Corporation distribution center in Indianola shows significant success of "leveraging MDEZA funds." The 800,000 sq-ft. facility will employ 350 workers within the first three (3) years of operation and will also emply about 150 tractor-trailer operators who will ship products to 370 Dollar General stores throughout a four-state area.

A huge plus for the EZ is the opportunity to utilize the new USDA " National Centers for Excellence" at Mississippi Valley State University. Utilizing Peace Corps Representatives and other university support, MVSU will provide technical assistance, leadership training and a resource center for parts of six (6) counties in the EZ. MVSU will be networked with three (3) other higher education centers.

Empowerment Building

Steering committees, planning and development districts, local and regional development groups, community businesses, and the banking industry are not just by-products of the Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance (MDEZA); but are its essential ingredients for putting control in the hands of citizens. MDEZA is an alliance of the Delta Council and The Delta Foundation. Historically, these two organizations have served to promote economic development in Mississippi's northwest region. MDEZA includes 26 municipalities and serves six Mississippi Counties. Projects include an extensive outreach program composed of 26 trained education advocates who serve to educate the community on the EZ/EC initiative, encourage creative problem solving by localities, and promote meaningful participation by citizens and business owners. The program of outreach has generated Roundtable discussions with private and non-profit organizations. Incentives offered at both the federal and state level have benefited the Delta area. Several businesses have either expanded, located, or expressed interest in the area. Residents are enjoying a better quality of life because of improvements in services and facilities provided by local municipalities.

Business and Economic Development & USDA Rural Development's Support

An innovative and flexible RD program of technical and financial assistance has produced several long term benefits for MDEZA. Through its Business and Industry loan Grantee Program, Intermediary Relending Program, Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program and Industry Loan Grantee Program, the EZ has received assistance for various business, industry and infrastructure projects resulting in the creation or retention of 450 jobs. The combination of increased tax incentives, involvement by the private sector, local, state, and federal government have set the pace for MDEZA economic and business development. Confish Inc. in Humphrey County announced it is adding 100 new employees to its payroll as a result of expansion of their facility. Heartland Catfish Inc. in Itta Bena has expanded its facilities and employs 120 people in its fully automated catfish processing plant. Classic Interior Art in Itta Bena announced the creation of 40 new jobs. Freshwater Farms Inc. saved 171 existing jobs and created 65 new jobs. A $ 1.5M revolving loan fund has been established to provide capital for small business development. The EZ has funded four businesses, providing 339 jobs for Delta residents.

Educational Technology

In April 1996, the Executive Order 12999 Educational Technology; Ensuring Opportunity for All Children in the Next Century was signed. The order encouraged all federal agencies to transfer excess computer equipment to schools and non-profit organizations, with preference to facilities located in EZ/EC communities. As a result of this order and action by the Community, Columbus Air force Base in Columbus, MS, transferred equipment valued at more than 66,000 to MDEZA. Frito Lay, inc. provided a truck and driver to transport the equipment. Additionally, 115 pieces of equipment were donated to EZ schools by Meridian Naval Air Station. USDA Rural Utilities Service donated 150 computers to MDEZA schools. Beldon Wire & Cable Co., Richmond, ID will donate wire for all schools in the EZ so that they can connect to the Internet!


Key Outputs (1998)