Programs & Projects
Economic Development District
The Acadiana Regional Development District - Region Four - is designated an Economic Development District (EDD) under the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Advantages of the Region becoming an EDD:
- Local governments in the district will receive an additional 10 percent bonus under EDA funded programs (i.e. 60 percent federal participation instead of 50 percent) as participating members of ARDD. Local participation dues are paid annually and are based on 10 cents per capita.
- Eliminate the need for parishes (counties) to update their CEDS annually to qualify for EDA funding. The District's CEDS annual update would suffice.
- Provide a CEDS for parishies that do not have one.
- As an EDD, Acadiana Regional Development District is available to provide technical assistance to local governments on their economic development activities, programs, and grant applications.
- Regional economic development partnerships are enhanced.
- Potential for additional federal funding: i.e., disaster preparedness and recovery, brownfield mitigation, revolving loan fund.
The primary functions of the EDD are:
- Preparation and maintenance of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
- Assist in the implementation strategies identified in the CEDS.
- Provide technical assistance to Economic Development Organizations throughout the region.
EDD Funding and technical assistance could also be used to:
- Maintain the economic development element in comprehensive plans.
- Coordinate between economic development councils.
- Coordinate between local government economic development departments.
- Encourage research and development and other identified targets.
- Annual short class on economic development.
- Market the region and attract businesses.
- Improve the view of our educational system.
- Cultivate education and business partnerships.
- Administer a revolving loan program.
- Package economic development with infrastructure improvements.
- Provide or arrange for training programs.
- Serve as or help develop incubators.
What is the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)?
A CEDS is developed with the help of a representatively diverse steering committee, and contains the following:
- An analysis of economic and community development problems and opportunities including incorporation of any relevant material or suggestions from other government sponsored or supported plans;
- Background and history of the economic development situation of the area covered, with a discussion of the economy, geography, population, labor force, resources, and the environment;
- A discussion of community participation in the planning efforts;
- A section setting forth goals and objectives for taking advantage of the opportunities and solving the economic development problems in the region;
- A plan of action, including broad project suggestions, to implement the goals and objectives set forth in the strategy; and
- Performance measures that will be used to evaluate whether and to what extent goals and objectives have been or are being met.
For more information about this project, contact Grayling Hadnott at (337) 886-7782 or email ghadnott@ardd.org.
Acadiana Regional Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Service Provider.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. |
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