PUBLIC LAW 106-554—APPENDIX D 114 STAT. 2763A-269 (B) to ensure that the economy of the region reaches economic parity with that of the rest of the United States; (2) to establish a formal framework for joint Federal-State collaboration in meeting and focusing national attention on the economic development needs of the region; (3) to assist the region in obtaining the transportation and basic infrastructure, skills training, and opportunities for economic development that are essential for strong local economies; (4) to foster coordination among all levels of government, the private sector, and nonprofit groups in crafting common regional strategies that will lead to broader economic growth; (5) to strengthen efforts that emphasize regional approaches to economic development and planning; (6) to encourage the participation of interested citizens, public officials, agencies, and others in developing and implementing local and regional plans for broad-based economic and community development; and (7) to focus special attention on areas of the region that suffer from the greatest economic distress. SEC. 503. DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY. The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: "Subtitle F—Delta Regional Authority "SEC. 382A. DEFINITIONS. "In this subtitle: "(1) AUTHORITY.— The term Authority' means the Delta Regional Authority established by section 382B. "(2) REGION.— The term 'region' means the Lower Mississippi (as defined in section 4 of the Delta Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 100-460)). "(3) FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAM. — The term 'Federal grant program' means a Federal grant program to provide assistance in— "(A) acquiring or developing land; "(B) constructing or equipping a highway, road, bridge, or facility; or "(C) carrying out other economic development activities. " SEC. 382B. DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY. "(a) ESTABLISHMENT.— "(1) IN GENERAL. —There is established the Delta Regional Authority. "(2) COMPOSITION. —The Authority shall be composed of— "(A) a Federal member, to be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate; and "(B) the Governor (or a designee of the Governor) of each State in the region that elects to participate in the Authority. "(3) COCHAIRPERSONS. — The Authority shall be headed by— "(A) the Federal member, who shall serve— "(i) as the Federal cochairperson; and "(ii) as a liaison between the Federal Government and the Authority; and
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