Alcorn State University has been awarded a $1.5 million grant as part of the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) $29 million investment to improve flood control and strengthen infrastructure.
The grant, awarded through the DRA’s Community Infrastructure Fund, will support 24 projects in the lower Mississippi Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions, including Alcorn State University. The funding will be used to enhance the university’s water and sewer system, making needed system upgrades and repairs.
“We are grateful to the Delta Regional Authority for their partnership and for recognizing the importance of this project to the Alcorn community,” said Dr. Tracy M. Cook, president of Alcorn State University. “This funding allows us to make crucial upgrades to our infrastructure, which is the foundation of a safe and thriving campus.”
The project directly supports the university’s mission to maintain its facilities for students and staff.
“Making sure our campus facilities, like water and sewage systems, are reliable is important,” said Dr. LaShon Brooks, director of economic development and community engagement. “Our infrastructure has always been reliable, but this investment allows us to bring it up to modern standards and ensure it remains strong for the future.”
Dr. Brooks secured the funding to maintain improvements to the wastewater treatment facility, which was also improved in a previous project in 2017.
“Because of Alcorn’s unique location, we are not connected to the water systems of neighboring Claiborne or Jefferson counties because we manage our own,” Dr. Brooks said. “Maintaining that system requires proper equipment and meeting regulatory standards.”
Building strong partnerships is a key component of securing funding for such projects, a need that is particularly pressing for HBCUs like Alcorn State University. This investment strengthens Alcorn’s essential infrastructure and highlights how strategic partnerships are crucial for the university’s continued growth and success.
