Congressman Cohen and Delta Regional Authority to Host Meeting on Transportation Monday

“Memphis is one of the four largest inland ports in the country, attracting hundreds of millions in investment,” said Congressman Cohen. “With key players like FedEx and Northwest Airlines in District 9, transport and logistics have become the lifeblood of our city. I am happy that the public will have the opportunity to hear some of the DRA’s plans and ideas on the future of intermodal transport in the 9th District.”

The meeting is one in a series which will allow the DRA to finalize its multimodal strategic plan for the 240 counties and parishes it serves. When Congress created the authority in 2000, one of the investment priorities listed for the DRA was the transportation infrastructure of the Delta. Last year, the authority released its plan for the Delta Development Highway System. The highway plan was completed following input from transportation executives and local leaders in the eight states served by the DRA. That plan can be found at www.dra.gov.

"The most recent national highway act mandated a study of the multimodal transportation assets and needs in this region," said Pete Johnson of Clarksdale, Miss., the DRA's federal co-chairman. "We're required by Congress to consult with local and state governments and then develop a report that determines the priorities, costs, benefits and expected outcomes. Completing a comprehensive strategic plan for such a large area requires a great deal of coordination."

The multimodal plan will address aviation, passenger rail service, freight rail service, highways and waterways. The plan must be presented to the administration and Congress by July.

The meetings are open to the public. Those planning to participate are asked to send an e-mail to Bevin Hunter of the DRA staff at bhunter@dra.gov and notify her of which meetings they will attend.

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, Congressman Cohen (202) 225-3265/ (202) 368-9275
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, (202) 225-3265 / (202) 320-2817