Information Technology
According to Jane Smith Patterson, a nationally recognized expert on state communications policy, a 10 percent increase in broadband use in a community can result in an average $7,000 economic difference per household.
Pete Johnson, the federal co-chairman of the Delta Regional Authority, says: "A $7,000 increase in household income will be a big boost in our region's quest for parity with the rest of the nation. Such a rise in income will make the two most important American dreams in our region -- homeownership and a college education -- a reality. We can do this."
While much of the country has been reaping the economic benefits of the information age, large parts of the Delta have been left behind. Many of the 252 counties and parishes covered by the authority lack adequate access to a robust telecommunications infrastructure. This has exacerbated the region's geographical isolation and served as a barrier to the economic, educational, medical and various other benefits that areas outside the region have enjoyed for years. The problem is particularly acute in the region's distressed counties. These are areas where poverty and unemployment rates are substantially higher than the national averages.
During a strategic planning retreat in February 2005, the DRA board determined that one of the authority's three top policy priorities would be information technology. To support its policy position, the authority devoted $150,000 to create an information technology plan for the region. It is hoped that the increased availability and use of technology will improve:
- Health access, quality and affordability. The DRA will work to improve information technology capacity, creating more virtual access points to the health care system and improving the health of Delta residents.
- Education through lifelong learning and workforce development. The authority will attempt to improve workforce skills through enhanced information technology networks and systems. The DRA will try to better integrate technology into continuing education programs while expanding community awareness and training efforts.
- Business development and e-commerce with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. Increased information technology capacity and access will increase employment.
In May 2007, the DRA released its information technology plan for the region. The plan, which was presented to the president and Congress, was developed in conjunction with Southern Growth Policies Board. The comprehensive plan to build information technology access and utilization in the region is titled "iDelta:Information Technology in the Delta." Goals of the plan are to improve education, enhance entrepreneurship and improve health care through the use of information technology. The plan provides research and data on the capacity and utilization of information technology in the region. There are recommendations for expanding the availability, usage and awareness of information technology.