Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) will chair a hearing of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday, March 14th, at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi to discuss rural and economic development in the Mississippi Delta region.

The hearing will serve as a forum to examine the Administration's request of $153 million for the creation of a new Delta Regional Authority and possible alternatives to the President's proposal. During a recent hearing of the Subcommittee, Senator Cochran said he was "suspicious" about how the funds would be spent and hoped the Administration would consider as an alternative using the resources at several Mississippi universities and colleges which could provide more expertise than "a Washington person."

"I believe we ought to consider using the resources at Mississippi Valley State University, Delta State University, Alcorn State University, and community colleges which have proven successful in assisting the lower Mississippi Delta region," said Senator Cochran, who is chairman of the Subcommittee.

Cochran said, "I am pleased that Mississippi Valley State University has agreed to host this hearing. It will give our Subcommittee an opportunity to hear the views and suggestions of those who know the people and communities we are trying to help."

The hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. (Central) in the new Administration Building (4th floor Boardroom) at Mississippi Valley State University on Leflore Avenue in Itta Bena, Mississippi. The hearing is expected to conclude by 12:00 p.m. (Central).

*** PRESS AVAILABILITY: Upon conclusion of the hearing, Senator Cochran will be available to respond to questions from reporters.

Please see attached witness list.

United States Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee

Mississippi Delta Field Hearing
Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, Mississippi
Tuesday, March 14, 2000
9:30 a.m. (Central)

WITNESS LIST

Panel I

The Honorable Jill Long Thompson, Under Secretary for Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Judith Johnson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Education
Albert C. Eisenberg, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, Department of Transportation

Panel II

Dr. Lester Newman, President, Mississippi Valley State University
Dr. David Potter, President, Delta State University
Dr. Bobby Garvin, President, Mississippi Delta Community College
Mr. Arthur Peyton, Interim Director, Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance
Mr. Griffin Norquist, Chairman, Delta Council, Development Department