The authority, created in December 2000, encourages the development of new jobs and basic improvements to enhance quality of life. The DRA’s formula for strengthening economies is to improve education, infrastructure, transportation and businesses with an emphasis on private enterprise. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs oversees the program in Alabama and works with local, state and regional agencies to implement program goals. The Delta Regional Authority serves 240 counties and parishes in eight states, including 20 counties in Alabama. The Alabama counties in the DRA include: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Russell, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox.  Each of Each of the member counties in Alabama has been defined as a "distressed county," where the unemployment rate is greater than the national average, a substantial loss in population has occurred, a major industry or business has closed, or a major disaster or emergency has been experienced.  At least 75 percent of the total funds allocated to the authority are invested in distressed counties and half of those funds must be earmarked for transportation and infrastructure improvements. Projects that have a regional impact receive special priority. In addition to the overall focus of the Delta Regional Authority, short, middle and long-term goals have been developed for the Alabama counties with an emphasis being placed on creating jobs and eliminating poverty. Secondary goals have also been established for each Local Development District. These LDDs serve as committees that represent local governments. The 20 Alabama counties that are part of the Delta Regional Authority are served by six LDDs, which may be comprised of one or more counties. The secondary goals of the Delta Regional Authority are aimed at solving problems unique to a county or a range of counties. For instance, in the Region 2 Local Development District, Greene, Hale and Pickens counties all consider adequate daycare an important need while Lowndes County, which is in a separate development district, lists its priorities as improving water and sewer services and developing an industrial park. Several counties lying along either the Alabama or Tombigbee rivers list the need to incorporate those water systems in their improvement plans. A map of Alabama counties eligible for funding under the Delta Regional Authority is on the right and a map of the eight-state region can be found at www.dra.gov.