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Lisa Green's Files
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4.10
NV.CJI
P.1
To:
Lisa Green
Fax:
456.2223
From:
Albert C. Eisenberg [Al]
Date:
6/14/99
Pages:
3
fax
From the desk of.
Albert C. Eisenberg [A]]
Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Transportation Policy
U.S. Department of Transportation
\
400 Seventh Street, S.W. - Room 10228
Washington, D.C. 20590
(202)366-4450
Fax: (202)366-7127
Trans
\
JUN. 14. 1999
4:17PM
D.O.T.
NO.291
P.2
NEW MARKETS INTIATIVE
Location Recommendation for Memphis; TN
Memphis, TN, has become one of the great success stories of the Mississippi Delta
region, demonstrating that strategic private and public investments can make a
tremendous difference in communities in that area. At the same time, pockets of poverty
continue to exist throughout the Memphis region, from neighborhoods that comprise the
Memphis Empowerment Zone to little communities beyond the city suburbs that have
seen the great prosperity of America in the 90's pass them by. To the people of these
places, the promise of jobs continues to elude them because they are not easily accessible
or because they do not have the requisite skills.
These two stories, one of promise, one of faint hope, exist side by side throughout the
Delta region. These stories can present a dramatic backdrop for the President's New
Markets Initiative, offering an opportunity to showcase both the success of the
Administration's efforts in the Delta as well as the challenges that remain-challenges
that can be overcome with the right combination of new investment and creative
approaches, which the President's New Markets Initiative can foster. Because of the
extensive investment in transportation facilities in Memphis, most notably the FEDEX
Super Hub, where America's overnight freight concentrates for distribution throughout
the nation, the side by side stories of successful Memphis and still struggling
neighborhoods and communities make Memphis an extraordinary location for the
President and the Secretary to visit with a Delta-wide message.
The Memphis Success
Memphis today, according to the publication Transportation Topics is considered
"North America's Distribution Center," and as a result, "Transportation and distribution
have become the mainstays of the Memphis economy." These two interrelated industries
employ 89,000 people (21 percent of the city workforce). As part of the system, Memphis
is one of only two other cities that can boast the convergence of five Class I railroads. A
measure of its growth and economic success is that in just the past year Memphis has
attracted an additional 10.1 million square feet of space and $1.4 billion in investment
from 46 companies.
The Other Side of Success
The other side of the Memphis success is a labor shortage in the transportation and
related industries in Memphis, which poses long-term and short-term problems for those
industries and could also impact the attraction of new businesses, which also depend
upon an adequate labor supply. The efficiency of national mobility, particularly with
respect to long-distance freight movement, depends upon a ready supply of labor with a
variety of skills. The distribution industry, including trucking cannot secure enough jobs
as noted in Transportation Topics, which states " transportation growth has already
put an enormous strain on labor. Drivers are scarce throughout the industry, and the
JUN. 14. 1999
4:17PM
D.O.T.
NO.291
P.3
problem is compounded in Memphis, where the demand for truck drivers, warehouse
workers, and distribution specialists is almost insatiable."
The Challenge Nearby
The census tracts throughout the Memphis region and beyond that exhibit both
unemployment and poverty data above the national average present a challenge and as
well as opportunity. For example, Memphis neighborhoods, such as Orange Mound,
North Memphis, South Memphis, and Greenlaw/Manassas continue to lag behind in
employment and income. To the extent that job openings are available for people who,
but for access and training, could fill them, the mobility of our national freight movement
system and the viability of private sector investment in transportation and distribution are
enhanced because a potential labor supply asset exists. To the extent that access and
training problems-can be alleviated, existing and new businesses throughout the region
are benefited, as are neighborhoods and the communities in which this labor lives.
The New Market Initiative
USDOT recognizes the strong linkage among availability of workers, training and access
needs, and the efficiency and effectiveness of the nation's transportation system.
USDOT proposes to promote the future profitability and long-term success of
transportation and distribution businesses in the Delta through the private investment in a
Workforce Access and Development Incubator Initiative for the 21st Century.
Commitments would be sought from such businesses as FEDEX and Greyhound for use
in developing such an initiative. The initiative would feature a business consortium that
would work with private sector projects, such as the Employers' 2000 Challenge Program
to encourage the development of job access and training centers in areas of above average
unemployment and poverty. These centers would serve as an adjunct to existing public
workforce development and assistance programs, as well as non-profit entities, such as
The Rideshare Program in Memphis. The initiative would target labor short
transportation and distribution industries. Initial private commitments could come in the
form of "challenge grants" that would invite participation by a larger circle of private
sector interests.
Benefits of the USDOT Initiative
It will showcase the success and highlight the challenges of the Memphis region and
the region as a whole
It will elevate the importance of transportation generally and freight and distribution
industries specifically to the national and the Delta economy
It will enhance opportunities for individuals now limited because of access and
training deficiencies
It will bring new income to neighborhoods and communities experiencing higher than
average unemployment and poverty
It will demonstrate the President's commitment to maintaining and enhancing
economic success in Delta communities that have experienced it, while focusing
renewed attention on those that still have not fully shared in the nation's prosperity.
JUN 17 '99 11:00AM
P.1/4
Trans
I
June 10, 1999
To: Lisa Green
From: Marianne Smith/A1 Eisenberg
Wanted to make save you
have the latest copy of
our proposal. I believe
we can compliment and
enhance the proposal for
Clarksdale offered by Treasury.
The Enterprise corporation of the
Delta is Strongly Supported by
SBA. we may have more
refined deliverables and a more
details by the end of the day.
JUN 17 '99 00AM
P.2/4
MEMORANDUM
To:
Gene Sperling
From:
Al Eisenberg
Marianne Smith
Subject:
USDOT Recommendation for New Markets Initiative Presidential Visit to
Mississippi Delta Community in the State of Mississippi
Date:
June 16, 1999
Deliverable: Example of new private investment in impoverished Delta community;
Housing improvements in a Native American neighborhood without
plumbing and sewer; Private commitments in job access and training, and
business development
Recommendation for Location:
The U.S. Department of Transportation proposes the city of Clarksdale, MS, as a site for
the President to visit to highlight his New Markets Initiative
The site is recommended for the following reasons:
1. It is in the Mississippi Delta Region in Mississippi and close to the state of Arkansas
2. The city exhibits examples of new private investment, such as the Waterfield.
Company, a cabinetmaker, which started up in 1998 and employs 50 people, of whom
30 came from welfare rolls. It projects its future employment to grow to 75 people.
3. The city was awarded a USDOT Jobs Access and Reverse Commute Grant for
$150,000; a Transportation Enhancement grant for $1 million to renovate the railroad
station to be used as a visitors' center and concert facility; two road overlay projects
totaling $48,000 each; and a railway crossing improvement project for $100,000. In
addition, a $17.6 million NHS project is under construction on U.S. 61 for safety and
economic development purposes.
On a broader basis within the larger Mississippi Delta area, USDOT awarded a
Borders and Corridors grant to Arkansas for $10 million for environmental studies on
I-69. Also, a third runway has been recently added at the Memphis International
Airport and currently, one of the original runways is being upgraded. In addition,
Highway 79 has been awarded a $500,000 feasibility study.
4. A predominantly black community college, Coahoma, the first in the state is located
in the city.
5: There is a community development financial institution (CDFI) located in nearby
Marks, MS.
JUN 17 '99 11:00AM
P.3/4
6. A short line railroad, the Mississippi Delta RR, serves the community. It is eligible to
receive assistance from the USDOT's Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement
Financing (RRIF) Program, newly authorized by TEA-21.
7. The city is within the labor catchment area for the city of Memphis, currently
experiencing a labor shortage in the transportation and distribution industries.
7. The city also continues to experience great challenge; according to the most recent
census data, the poverty level and unemployment rate is high.
8. In the Coahoma section, 300 homes without plumbing and sewer are the focus of
Habitat for Humanity services.
Proposed Event:
The President would land in Memphis, and travel by helicopter to Clarksdale. The trip
would traverse country that would demonstrate the social and economic character of the
Mississippi Delta region. The President would tour the Waterfield Company, noted
above, which represents a good example of new business investment in this community.
He would then travel to the Coahoma section of the city to observe Habitat for
Humanity's efforts to modernize 300 homes without plumbing or sewer service. He
would end his tour at the community college where he would hold a roundtable
discussion with officials and private citizens, including representatives of the sites he
visited, to discuss Clarksdale's successes and its remaining challenges, and the future of
the Mississippi Delta region generally. We would include representatives of the FEDEX
and Greyhound Companies who would announce commitments to assist in job access
services to feed the labor hungry transportation and distribution industries in Memphis to
the north, or to develop a skills technology center at the community college, or to
contribute to the Enterprise Corporation of the Delta which assists the establishment of
small businesses.
***JUN 17 'yy 11:00HM 2028847893
ARC FED OFFICE
P.4/4
002
ENTERPRISE CORP.
Fax:501-944-0808
Jun 16 '99
15:23
P.02
Coahoma County, MS
1990 Population
31,665
1996 Population
31,652
Population Change 1990-1996
(0.04%)
Population Change 1980-1990
(16.6%)
% Minority
65.7%
1990 Civilian Labor Force
11,457
1995 Civilian Labor Force
12,839
Labor Growth
12.1%
1990 Unemployment Rate
13.8%
1996 Unemployment Rate
9.9%
1990 Median Household Income
$16,938
% of unit non-metro family income
61.4%
% people in poverty - 1990
45.5%
% housing w/out water lines - 1990
8.0%
% housing wout public sewer - 1990
19.0%
% housing w/out phone - 1990
14.9%
06/16/99 16:21
TX/RX NO.8846
P.002
JUN 17 '99 11:00AM
P.1/4
-
Trans
\
June 10, 1999
To: Lisa Green
From: Marianne Smith/A1 Eisenberg
Wanted to make save you
have the latest copy of
our proposal. I believe
we can compliment and
enhance the proposal for
Clarksdale offered by Treasury.
The Enterprise corporation of the
Delta is Strongly Supported by
SBA. we may have more
refined deliverables and a more
details by the end of the day.
JUN 17 '99 11:00AM
P.2/4
MEMORANDUM
To:
Gene Sperling
From:
Al Eisenberg
Marianne Smith
Subject:
USDOT Recommendation for New Markets Initiative Presidential Visit to
Mississippi Delta Community in the State of Mississippi
Date:
June 16, 1999
Deliverable: Example of new private investment in impoverished Delta community;
Housing improvements in a Native American neighborhood without
plumbing and sewer; Private commitments in job access and training, and
business development
Recommendation for Location:
The U.S. Department of Transportation proposes the city of Clarksdale, MS, as a site for
the President to visit to highlight his New Markets Initiative.
The site is recommended for the following reasons:
1. It is in the Mississippi Delta Region in Mississippi and close to the state of Arkansas
2. The city exhibits examples of new private investment, such as the Waterfield.
Company, a cabinetmaker, which started up in 1998 and employs 50 people, of whom
30 came from welfare rolls. It projects its future employment to grow to 75 people.
3. The city was awarded a USDOT Jobs Access and Reverse Commute Grant for
$150,000; a Transportation Enhancement grant for $1 million to renovate the railroad
station to be used as a visitors' center and concert facility; two road overlay projects
totaling $48,000 each; and a railway crossing improvement project for $100,000. In
addition, a $17.6 million NHS project is under construction on U.S. 61 for safety and
economic development purposes.
On a broader basis within the larger Mississippi Delta area, USDOT awarded a
Borders and Corridors grant to Arkansas for $10 million for environmental studies on
I-69. Also, a third runway has been recently added at the Memphis International
Airport and currently, one of the original runways is being upgraded. In addition,
Highway 79 has been awarded a $500,000 feasibility study.
4. A predominantly black community college, Coahoma, the first in the state is located
in the city.
5: There is a community development financial institution (CDFI) located in nearby
Marks, MS.
JUN 17 '99 11:00AM
P.3/4
6. A short line railroad, the Mississippi Delta RR, serves the community. It is eligible to
receive assistance from the USDOT's Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement
Financing (RRIF) Program, newly authorized by TEA-21.
7. The city is within the labor catchment area for the city of Memphis, currently
experiencing a labor shortage in the transportation and distribution industries.
7. The city also continues to experience great challenge; according to the most recent
census data, the poverty level and unemployment rate is high.
8. In the Coahoma section, 300 homes without plumbing and sewer are the focus of
Habitat for Humanity services.
Proposed Event:
The President would land in Memphis, and travel by helicopter to Clarksdale. The trip
would traverse country that would demonstrate the social and economic character of the
Mississippi Delta region. The President would tour the Waterfield Company, noted
above, which represents a good example of new business investment in this community.
He would then travel to the Coahoma section of the city to observe Habitat for
Humanity's efforts to modernize 300 homes without plumbing or sewer service. He
would end his tour at the community college where he would hold a roundtable
discussion with officials and private citizens, including representatives of the sites he
visited, to discuss Clarksdale's successes and its remaining challenges, and the future of
the Mississippi Delta region generally. We would include representatives of the FEDEX
and Greyhound Companies who would announce commitments to assist in job access
services to feed the labor hungry transportation and distribution industries in Memphis to
the north, or to develop a skills technology center at the community college, or to
contribute to the Enterprise Corporation of the Delta which assists the establishment of
small businesses.
**JUN 17 '99 11:00AM 2028847693
ARC FED OFFICE
P.4/4
002
ENTERPRISE CORP.
Fax:601-944-0808
Jun 16 '99
15:23
P.02
Coahoma County. MS
1990 Population
31,665
1996 Population
31,652
Population Change 1990-1996
(0.04%)
Population Change 1980-1990
(16.6%)
% Minority
65.7%
1990 Civilian Labor Force
11,457
1995 Civilian Labor Force
12,839
Labor Growth
12.1%
1990 Unemployment Rate
13.8%
1996 Unemployment Rate
9.9%
1990 Median Household Income
$16,938
% of unit non-metro family income
61.4%
% people in poverty - 1990
45.5%
% housing w/out water lines - 1990
8.0%
% housing wout public sewer- 1990
19.0%
% housing w/out phone - 1990
14.9%
06/16/99 16:21
TX/RX NO.8846
P.002
JUN 17 yy 12:59PM
P.1/7
U.S. Department of
Assistant Secretary
400 Seventh St. S.W
Transportation
Washington, DC. 20590
Office of the Secretary
of Transportation
Dates June 17,1999
To: Lisa Green 456-2223
From: Marianne Sm. th
Please review
a sap and Share with
Lynn Cutler / others as
appropriate.
I
Transpartan
JUN 17 '99 12:59PM
P.2/7
JUN 17 '99 11:28AM DOT/CONSUMER AFFAIRS
P.7/12
COMMUNICATION
THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
ORINEN
STATES
FAMILY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590
to
3/19/99
MEMORANDUM TO:
William J. Clinton
President of the United States
FROM:
Rodney E. Slater
REf
SUBJECT:
Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative
During the past decade, you have led efforts at both the State and Federal levels to better
the living conditions of the residents of the Lower Mississippi Delta Region. The vision
you articulated in the 1990 report "Realizing the Dream. Fulfilling the Promise"
resulted in a new emphasis by Federal agencies as well as State governments to provide
resources to the Delta region. A recent trip to Arkansas served as a reminder not only of
how much has been accomplished in the Delta region but also how much work remains to
be done.
In late February, while in east Arkansas to make two Department of Transportation
announcements that reflect and reaffirm your vision of the Delta Region's tremendous
potential, we had the opportunity to provide the Delta Region the Federal recognition it
both richly deserves and desperately needs. In Marianna (Lee County) Congressman
Berry and I announced $450,000 in Federal-aid funds for a study to determine the
feasibility of an Interstate quality road between Pine Bluff and Memphis, generally
following the existing US Highway 79. The event, which was attended by municipal,
county and state government officials and local business representatives from the nine
surrounding counties, was 2 gathering of many long-time friends and supporters. All
who were gathered share a vision for the future of the region and an understanding as to
the benefits of what such a highway would mean to their lives.
During the same trip, the Administration's commitment to the region was further
celebrated at ASU in Jonesboro. Senator Lincoln, Congressman Berry and I were joined
by a crowd of over 500 of your long-time friends and supporters for the "Thanks a
Million Celebration" on the occasion of the formal dedication of the Crowley's Ridge
Parkway as one of 53 National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. (The Parkway
traverses eight counties: Clay, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett, Cross, St. Francis, Lee and
Phillips.) Arkansas has been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration as a
model for the manner in which it developed and implemented a strategic plan that
resulted in the designation. The fruits of this cooperative effort were awards totaling
JUN 17 '99 12:59PM
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2
$1,036,524 in fiscal year 1999 discretionary funds to undertake three projects along
Crowley's Ridge. The tremendous potential of these funds is reflected by the economic
and workforce development opportunities for which they will be used. This Federal
investment will provide for development of educational and promotional material for the
Parkway and a visitor/interpretive center in Pigott, as well as establishment of a student
internship and service learning program in association with the management and
development of a hiking/biking trail and an African-American tour along the Parkway.
The accomplishments this Administration has achieved in the Delta Region have been
significant, and a visionary and vigilant Department of Transportation has been in the
forefront of this effort with Federal funding and technical assistance. We have sponsored
new highways such as the Great River Road, transit systems, port projects and improved
intermodal planning. In the six years following the submission of the report to then-
President Bush, over 365,000 new jobs were created in the Delta region. At the same
time, we have worked with many other Federal agencies that have made significant
contributions in their own areas. However, whether the need is for education, housing or
community development, transportation is the tie that binds because transportation
investments can have a significant impact on creating employment and giving access to
opportunity.
Ten (10) Federal agencies have collaborated in a new partnership to refocus our effort on
the Delta region and to ensure our active engagement in meeting the objectives of the
1990 Commission report We must redouble our focus and commitment if your vision as
first expressed is to become a reality for the entire Delta Region These agencies are
committed to the principles that first brought the Delta Commission together almost 10
years ago. Now is the time to further energize the effort you began in 1990 as we prepare
to enter the new century and the new millennium. It is time to prepare for a new Delta
initiative - one that will take us to a new level. Your support and encouragement will
ensure the enthusiastic involvement of your entire Administration, thereby building upon
the accomplishments already realized to accelerate our progress toward a brighter and
more fulfilling life for the people of the Mississippi Delta region. This memorandum
describes some of the accomplishments of the past decade, some unfinished tasks and
some important proposals for future action.
Background
In 1988, Congress enacted legislation proposed by Senator Dale Bumpers establishing the
Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission, a bipartisan commission to study
and make recommendations regarding economic needs, problems and opportunities in,
and to develop a 10-year economic development plan for, the Delta region. The
Commission, which you chaired, made recommendations on developing human capital,
natural and physical resources, private enterprise and the environment. In 1990, the
Commission submitted to then-President Bush an aggressive, ambitious plan for the
development of the region that included some 400 recommendations, 55 of which were in
transportation.
JUN 17 '99 01:00PM
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3
Five years later, during my tenure as Federal Highway Administrator, an update to the
report with respect to transportation actions was prepared. Through that update, our
major finding was that improved transportation-the connection to the rest of the nation
and the world-meant more jobs and greater opportunity.
On April 16, 1998, a Partnership Agreement was entered among community leaders and
organizations in the Delta region Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities and
Champion Communities to work cooperatively to achieve sustainable economic and
human development to raise the quality of life in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Vice
President Gore, Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman and I witnessed the signing of the
Southern Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community Forum Partnership Agreement in
New Orleans.
In July 1998, "The Delta: Beyond 2000" conference was convened in Memphis. The
result of this conference was that ten Federal agencies (DOT, USDA, Commerce, HUD,
HHS, DOL, Education, DOI, SBA and EPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) that established a framework for cooperation between the participating agencies
on economic revitalization in the Delta region The participating agencies agreed to work
together through a Federal Working Group Task Force with State and local leaders to
develop a thorough assessment and plan of action and to provide appropriate assistance
when and where needed in the Delta region, subject to statutory and budgetary limitations
(see attached MOU). This interim assessment and plan will be completed within 10 in
the spring of 1999, and a final report will be completed in the spring of 2000.
Actions growing out of these agreements have proceeded in the interim, and the resources
and commitments are in place to continue working toward the goals laid out by the
Commission into the next millennium.
The Impact of Federal Resources
There are many examples of the way in which Federal resources have been targeted at
and tailored for applications in the Delta (The interim assessment will provide more
complete information,)
Spending authority provided by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
(ISTEA) and the Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21" Century (TEA-21), as well as
the President's budgets have made available to the states in the Delta region substantial
amounts of transportation funds that can and have been used to support the economic
development goals of the region. With the stimulus of these funds and through the
participation and cooperation of State and local transportation authorities, substantial
improvements in the transportation system have been realized; and others are well along
in the programming process.
JUN 17 99 01:00PM
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$9
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4
In the three States-Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi-that have the largest share
of their counties in the Delta region, Federal transportation expenditures were more
than $1.2 billion in FY 1998 and are projected to increase to $1.5 billion in FY2000.
By FY2000, the annual level of spending for Federal transportation programs in these
three states is estimated to increase by nearly 40 percent over the FY 1995 level.
Since 1990, upgrading of more than 700 miles of highways and numerous bridges in
the region has been completed and a great deal more is in the pipeline;
The airports at Memphis and Belleville, IL have been expanded, and airport planning
studies for Tunica, MS, and a new regional facility in New Orleans are in progress.
Under the leadership of DOT's Maritime Administration in Arkansas, Louisiana,
Mississippi, and Tennessee, Federal, state and industry representatives have joined
together to assure that maritime assets are integrated into intermodal transportation
plans Work on barbor improvements and river navigation projects has been
completed in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
The Federal Transit Administration is playing an important role in light rail and
intermodal terminal projects in Memphis and transit improvements in Little Rock,
New Orleans and Baton Rouge, as well as providing support for elderly and
handicapped and rural transit in locations across the Delta region.
Administration's Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities (EZ/EC)
am is a powerful initiative designed to create solutions to community problems of
lemic poverty, high unemployment and general distress.
The EZ/EC Round I communities included eight rural and six urban EZs and ECs in
the seven Mississippi Delta states. In 1997, Congress authorized USDA to designate
an additional five Empowerment Zones, one of which is in the Delta
In each community, EZ/EC Title XX Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funds
deveraged much larger funding from Federal, state, local, private sector and non-profit
sector sources. The total amount Delta communities drew down from EZ/EC Title
XX SSBG funds was approximately $10.2 million; however, the total funding
leveraged by these funds amounted to roughly ten times as much, or about $107.4
million
sponse to the 1990 Commission report stressing the importance of education, the US
stment of Education is working in cooperation with state and local officials to
ave math and sciences education in the Delta. For example, through the
theastern Regional Vision for Education (SERVE) the Delta Technology Partnership
created with two high schools to support the integration of technology into their
JUN 17 '99 01:01PM
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5
curriculum, in addition to installation of the equipment and needed training for both
students and staff
Another outgrowth of the 1990 Delta Commission report is the emphasis on the vital
need for Delta residents to have access to an effective health care system. One report
recommendation stressed the importance of prenatal health care through the Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) program, Medicaid, and food stamps. In response, Congress
and Federal agencies have worked to reconcile differences in eligibility requirements.
For example, a person who participates in the Food Stamp, Temporary Assistance
Program for Needy Families (TANF), or Medicaid Program automatically meets the
income eligibility requirement for the WIC program.
Protecting the environment while growing the economy of the Delta region has also been
an emphasis of the Federal and state governments. Since 1990, the Fish and Wildlife
Service has restored about 22,000 acres of wetlands on National Wildlife Refuges in the
Lower Mississippi Valley. The Environmental Protection Agency has expended
approximately $250 million for the construction of approximately 854 projects simed at
protecting and restoring all Louisiana's coast.
Closing
You have provided strong and continuing leadership to move the Administration's efforts
targeted at the Lower Mississippi Delta region to a higher level. We have only begun to
fulfill the potential of the Delta region and to realize the promise that was outlined in the
1990 report of the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission Recently I have
had an opportunity to discuss the needs of the Delta Region with John Podesta, Bruce
Reed, Gene Sperling and Lynn Cutler in order to further the Administration's efforts in
the Delta I commit to you that the Department of Transportation will work aggressively
with other Federal and State agencies to focus their resources on continuing
improvements in the economic condition of the Delta region,
The initiatives and incentives you proposed in your State of the Union Address and FY
2000 budget will give us the tools we need to move from strength to strength to build
upon our successes to date and reenergize the Lower Mississippi Delta Region Initiative.
This is our mutual goal with the private sector. Your proposed New Markets Initiative,
including the targeted tax credits and loan guarantees, America's Private Investment
Companies, Small Business Investment Companies, and New Market Venture Capital,
will encourage private sector capital and bring jobs and economic development to the
greatest untapped urban, rural and farm markets. DOT is joined by nine Federal agencies
to help you turn this proposal into reality for the citizens of the Lower Mississippi Delta
Region.
During my intermodal tour in April, I will travel through both Appalachia and the Delta,
consistent with the recent visit to Appalachia by Secretary Cuomo. During this trip, we
would like to announce, with your approval, the creation of a group of strong and diverse
JUN
17
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01:01PM
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6
Hers who will help us to combine the resources of the Federal participants, draw on the
ents and pride of the people of the Delta region, and compound that synergy with the
als available in the private sector. Persons of the stature of former U.S. Senator Dale
mpers and Mike Espy should be appointed to lead this bi-partisan group. Further,
cause of the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the region's residents and the historically
tined relations among the races, this group would provide an opportunity to address
vision of One America and advance that initiative as well. In order to achieve our
tual goals for the Delta region and further the efforts of this initiative, we must engage
teamen, community and business leaders to advance your agenda. Those leaders can
b to promote new industry investments, sustainable economic development,
vironmental protection consistent with economic growth, improved health care and
acation, and access to quality essential services for all residents of the Delta region.
are is so much potential for private sector involvement: Federal Express, Entergy,
reland, Tysons Foods, and others, can and should be enlisted to advance your agenda
create a stronger workforce and atmosphere in order to expand existing and promote
industry in the region. For example, large corporations rely on small businesses for
my goods and services. The Federal government is positioned to play a role in creating
mand for the products of Delta region businesses by first challenging large
porations headquartered in the Delta to look to their own backyards for the goods and
vices they need, thereby encouraging the growth of small business that could,
entually, expand to serving larger markets.
My, we should continue, in the spirit of the Vice President's reinventing government
ative, to coordinate the Federal agency efforts and educate and promote the
amum utilization of existing services in the region to those who are in a position to
advantage of such resources. Every agency has regional, division, or satellite offices
can take government to the people through educational workshops and information
tring, thus creating a user-friendly, mutually-beneficial relationship among Federal,
and local leaders. The Administration's legacy should ensure long-term
therships between local communities with the Federal government's support.
QTT7
USDA USEC
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USDA
<
USDA
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
TELEPHONE (202) 720-3631
FAX (202)690-2119
FAX COVER SHEET
DATE: 6-17-99
NUMBER OF PAGES, INCLUDING COVER SHEET:
PLEASE DELIVER TO: Lisa Green
FAX NUMBER: ( 456-2223 PHONE NUMBER: ( ) 456-5351 )
FROM:
DAN GLICKMAN, SECRETARY
JOHN GIBSON, SPECIAL ASSISTANT
GREG FRAZIER, CHIEF OF STAFF
JOSE VENZOR, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & BRIEFINGS DIRECTOR
BART CHILTON, DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
CLYDE WILLIAMS, DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
JUSTIN PASCHAL, STAFF ASSISTANT
ERIC OLSEN, COUNSEL TO THE SECRETARY FOR DOMESTIC POLICY
JANET POTTS, COUNSEL TO THE SECRETARY
ISI SIDDIQUI, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE
BOB EPSTEIN, SCIENCE ADVISOR TO THE SECRETARY
LAURETTA MILES, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
JANNA PASCHAL, STAFF ASSISTANT
MESSAGE:
plean See Attached -call Clyde w/ Guest
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Clyde Williams - Clarksdale, Mississippi
Page 1
From:
Jim Newby
To:
Clyde Williams
Date:
6/17/99 1:55PM
Subject:
Clarksdale, Mississippi
Business and Industry Loan Guarantees
Colonial Bag Company $3.0 million guarantee to finance machinery and equipment for manufacturing
bags for a variety of purposes including farm suppies, i.e., seed and fertilizer.
GPH, Inc. $650,000 for the renovation of a 65 room hotel and addition of 39 rooms.
Community Facility Loan, $1.5 million, to construct the Aaron Henry health facility. Mr. Henry, who passed
last year, was a noted Civil Rights leader in the Delta.
Rural Business Enterprise Grant, $500,000 to provide transportation of elderly to and from health Clinics
and to transport residents to job training facilites.
All of the above items were approved in the past 12 months.
06/17/99 15:48 FAX 202 690 2119
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003/010
JUN 17 1999 13:19 FR KY HIGHLAND
606 864 5194 TO 12027205437
P.01/05
KENTUCKY
HLANDS
INVESTM PORATION
Facsimile Transmittal
To:
Clyde Williams
Fax:
1-202-720-5437
Phone:
Pages:
9, including cover page
Date:
June 17, 1999
Dear Mr. Williams:
Enclosed is the explanation of the role of Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation in the
Empowerment Zone. Although Kentucky Highlands is not physically located in the
empowerment zone, it has worked in the counties for more than 30 years and it is located in
London, Kentucky which is about half way between Jackson County to the east of London and
Clinton and Wayne Counties to the west of London. I do not believe that the offices for the
Texas Rio Grande Empowerment Zone or the Mississippi Delta Empowerment Zone are located
in their Empowerment Zones. Since the designation was based on census tracts, that may also be
the case in the urban empowerment zones.
Please call if you have any questions regarding this or if you need additional information.
Reply Requested :
From the desk of
-
Brenda McDaniel
Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
P.O. Box 1738
London. KY 40743
1-606-864-5175
1-606-864-5194
[email protected]
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JUN 17 1999 13:22 FR KY HIGHLAND
606 864 5194 TO 12027205437
P.02/09
KENTUCKY HIGHLANDS EMPOWERMENT ZONE
Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation is a 31-year-old community development
corporation. It was started in 1968 by community groups which thought that the region could not
develop without an institution focused on economic development. Kentucky Highlands was formed
to work in nine counties which are located in Appalachian Kentucky. The counties are Jackson,
Clinton, Wayne, Clay, Harlan, Bell, Rockcastle, McCreary, and Whitley. In 1994, Kentucky
Highlands Investment Corporation was approached by state and national officials about applying for
a rural Empowerment Zone for some of its investment area. The local governments of Jackson,
Clinton, and Wayne Counties nominated Kentucky Highlands as Lead Entity for the Kentucky
Highlands Empowerment Zone.
It was the staff of Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation who facilitated and prepared the
application and the strategic plan for the Kentucky Highlands Empowerment Zone. The KHIC staff
organized the three communities who met to prepare the strategic plan and made the three counties
(which are not contiguous) into one empowerment zone.
Although Kentucky Highlands office is not physically located in the Kentucky Highlands
Empowerment Zone, it has worked on economic and community development projects in the
counties for all of its 31 years of existence. As Lead Entity, it is responsible for implementation of
the strategic plan developed and revised by the communities in the empowerment zone. There are
certain projects which are for the entire empowerment zone. These include a venture capital fund
and a loan fund for area farmers. Other projects included in the strategic plan are local projects. The
local projects are implemented by the county organizations which were formed for that purpose.
Three separately incorporated nonprofit organizations were formed because the projects receive
funding from sources other than the HHS funding for the Empowerment Zone.
Attached are flow charts which show graphically how the implementation of the strategic plan
works. The charts are: Strategic Plan Implementation, Programmatic Flow, and Fiscal Flow. A map
showing the location of the Kentucky Highlands Empowerment Zone and the office of Kentucky
Highlands Investment Corporation in London is also included.
Operating Structure
The operational philosophy of the Kentucky Highlands Empowerment Zone (KHEZ) is that for the
initiative to be successful, the residents of the Zone must be making the decisions on how to
implement the projects outlined in the Strategic Plan. In order to accomplish this goal of maximum
community participation, the KHEZ has put in place the management structure outlined in our
Strategic Plan and extended it to other facets of the program.
The Kentucky Highlands Strategic Plan envisioned that the structure established to prepare the plan
for submission would be formalized into the implementation body. This is what has occurred with
some modifications and expansions.