Planning, Community Development & Housing

Planning

It is South Delta's goal to "develop a sound planning process on both the local and regional levels." Only through proper planning will the needs of area citizen be fully served. South Delta continues as the Area Census Data Affiliate and provides technical assistance in this area. With census data being updated frequently, this role has become more important as the District responds to requests for updated information. The District serves as the Regional Clearinghouse under Executive Order 12372. The District is designated by the Census Bureau as a State Data Center Affiliate and maintains demographic information for the six-county area.

Community Development

Overseen by the Department of Economic and Community Development, SDPDD assists member governments in applying for and administering the Community Development Block Grant. This program assists local governments, who lack the resources and capital, to upgrade infrastructure and to provide other much needed community services.

While supporting the "Overall Economic Development Program" as the District's guide for growth, staff continues to work with local officials to bring projects into reality. This includes seeking all available funding assistance, such as loans, either through SDPDD, the Mississippi Development Authority, or through the Community Development Block Grant program and the Economic Development Administration.

In addition to the programs mentioned above, the department is in the process of implementing a Geographic Information System (GIS) with the capabilities of assisting member governments in statistical information as well as continuing to organize and seek funding for a regional program for the six-county area and actively securing funds for health facilities in its counties.

• Community Development Block Grant
  A major goal of South Delta Planning and Development District is to "improve the infrastructure of each community and county to allow new industrial, commercial and residential development." South Delta is currently administering the following projects toward implementation of this goal: CDBG Public Facilities, Planning, Grants Writing and Housing.
  • CDBG Public Facilities
    On a continuing basis, District staff members provide technical assistance to municipal and county governments in determining the potential for developing fundable projects that will assist low to moderate income citizens. This ongoing assessment and prioritization of community needs allows the District to develop more competitive applications for local governments.
  • Grants Writing
    SDPDD assists various city and county government entities in the preparation and implementation of CDBG Self-Help application, solid waste applications, recreational trails application, and rural development infrastructure applications.

Housing
South Delta provides homeowner rehabilitation and homebuyer assistance programs to eligible clients in the six county area. These programs allow low to moderate and low to very low income families the opportunity to build a new home or rehabilitate an owner occupied home. The District has utilized and pooled the resources of the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development, Rural Economic and Community Development, HOME Corporation, and Federal Home Loan Bank in accessing grants and low interest loans.

Homebuyer Assistance Program in Drew

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