Business View Magazine | March 2019

241 rural citizens. “In the western part of the coun- ty, we are working through the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to install sewer systems out in areas that have issues with their systems,” he reports. “We’re trying to improve the quality of life and the availability of services that all the rest of the country has.” (The Delta Regional Authority is a Federal-State partnership whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Mississippi River Delta Region. The DRA serves 252 counties and parishes in parts of eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illi- nois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Under federal law, at least 75 percent of DRA funds must be invested in economically distressed counties and parishes. Half of DRA funds are awarded for transporta- tion and basic infrastructure improvements.) “Our history and heritage is a big part of our identity and a big part of our future as we look to attract tourism and industry to our commu- nity,” says Richey. “Then you’ve got the natu- ral resources with all types of opportunities whether you’re a sportsman, a fisherman, or somebody who likes to kayak, or hike, or bike.” It’s unbelievable how beautiful our area is and how friendly the people are,” says Hall, in con- clusion. “We may have our problems but we’re working on issues that haven’t been worked on in several decades, and we’re trying to address them, to make our future look bright. All of this has to fit in the big picture of making our com- munity whole again, and making opportunities for our citizens.” PREFERRED VENDORS n HNB Bank - HNB is becoming Partners Bank. Our new name reflects our legacy of personal connections that have allowed us to serve the people of East Arkansas since 1940. Partners Bank’s focus is simple: Creating oppor- tunities for our customers and the communities where we live and work. Come see how we can partner with you. HNB Bank Better Together Helena • West Helena • Marvell • Wynne • Mari- on | Member FDIC, Equal Opportunity Lender www.hnb.com n Delta Mass Appraisal Services, Inc. www.deltamassappraisal.com