Delta Regional Authority Act of 1999

Delta Regional Authority Act of 1999 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the Delta Regional Authority to: (1) develop comprehensive and coordinated plans and programs, establish priorities, and approve grants for the economic development of the Mississippi Delta region (parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee surrounding such Delta); (2) provide for research, demonstration, investigation, assessment and evaluation of such region's assets and needs; (3) encourage the formation and capacity of local development districts and private investment in industrial, commercial, and other economic development projects; and (4) provide a forum for the consideration of problems and possible solutions of the region. Provides conflict-of-interest requirements with respect to Authority members, alternates, officers, and employees.

Authorizes the Authority to approve grants to States and public and private entities for projects to: (1) assist the region in obtaining necessary job training or employment-related education, leadership and civic development, and business development, especially entrepreneurship for such region; (2) provide special assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped counties within such region; and (3) fund research, demonstration, evaluations, assessments, training programs, construction of necessary facilities, and the provision of technical assistance of and for the region. Provides the following priority for the use of grant funds: (1) basic infrastructure in distressed counties; (2) job-related infrastructure; (3) job training or employment-related education; (4) leadership and civic development; and (5) business development, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship.

Authorizes the Federal co- chairman of the Authority to use grant amounts as required Federal contributions to grant-in-aid programs for which the region is eligible but cannot supply the required matching share. Prohibits the Federal share of project costs for which assistance is provided under this title from exceeding 80 percent, and prohibits a grant period of more than three years.

Defines a "local development district" as a certified entity having a charter or authority that includes the economic development of counties or other parts of the region. Outlines certification requirements. Authorizes the Authority to make grants to such districts for administrative expenses.

Requires the Authority to: (1) annually designate distressed and economically strong counties, and isolated areas of distress, within the region; and (2) allocate at least 50 percent of the appropriations made available under this Act for programs and projects for the distressed counties. Prohibits (with an exception) such funds from being used within economically strong counties. Makes isolated areas of distress eligible for such assistance at the Authority's discretion.

Requires each State member of the Authority to submit a development plan for the area of the region represented by the member.

Outlines factors to be considered by the Authority in considering programs and projects for assistance under this Act and in establishing priorities among assistance requests.

Requires the Authority to review for approval any State or regional development plan submitted. Outlines plan approval requirements.

Directs the Authority to: (1) maintain appropriate records; and (2) annually prepare and submit to the President, for transmittal to Congress, a report on its activities.

Authorizes appropriations to the Authority to carry out this Act.