Baton Rouge Reporter

Congressman Garret Graves and Terrebonne Parish President Jason Bergeron have announced the passage of legislation by the House that adds Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, to the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). The DRA is a federal agency focused on economic development and community resilience in America’s Delta Region. Congressman Graves, a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which oversees this program, highlighted the significance of this inclusion.

“We made Terrebonne Parish’s priority our priority. Now Terrebonne has new access to critical federal infrastructure and economic development funding,” stated Graves. He further noted that the bill provides nearly $20 million in federal funding for stormwater and wastewater infrastructure and reduces costs by $100 million for completing Morganza-to-the-Gulf. “Adding Terrebonne Parish as a member of the Delta Regional Authority – and having greater access to hurricane protection and critical infrastructure funding – means parish elected and economic leaders can take the reins and grow jobs and the economy for Terrebonne’s future while protecting its people and communities.”

President Bergeron expressed optimism about this development: “We are starting to see the results of our hard work with partners like Congressman Graves to move Terrebonne Parish forward. Being included in the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) gives us another funding source that supports the needs of our communities as we improve infrastructure and fuel business growth."

The Delta Regional Authority was established in 2000 as a joint effort between eight states along the Lower Mississippi River and the federal government. Its goal is to enhance quality of life and economic opportunities within these regions. With Terrebonne's addition, there is potential for increased federal investment in workforce training, healthcare access, and job creation across South Louisiana.

In recent years, DRA has supported numerous projects across Louisiana, contributing to job creation for over 2,364 individuals while impacting more than 60,000 residents positively.

Congressman Garret Graves alongside Majority Leader Steve Scalise represent Terrebonne Parish in Congress.