Despite recent improvements, the Lower Mississippi Delta region—especially the rural Delta—faces many economic challenges. The Federal Government has spent large amounts of money on the region for basic income support. It has also invested in human resources in the region. However, the rural Delta has received less assistance from Federal community resource programs, which are important for economic and community development. The new Delta Regional Authority might bring the region more of such funding by helping localities plan and apply for assistance, and by leveraging public and private investment in economic development projects. If successful, this may actually save the Federal Government money over the long run on income support programs.