MRPC News Release
Dec. 6, 2005
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Richard Cavender or Bonnie J. Prigge, (573) 265-2993
MRPC TO DISCUSS STATE LEGISLATIVE ISSUES DEC. 8
Will hear comments on proposed Brownfield grant request to EPA
ST. JAMES—Members of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission will discuss state legislative issues with state legislators serving the Meramec Region during the group's regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the MRPC office at 4 Industrial Drive in St. James.
This meeting is a part of MRPC's annual process of establishing legislative priorities for the region, which includes the development of a State of the Region Report that is hand-delivered to legislators in Jefferson City.
The MRPC board will also seek public comment on a grant request to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Staff is developing a proposal that, if funded, would allow for the identification of potential brownfield sites in the region. Brownfields are places that potentially could be contaminated because of the former use of the property. More and more grant funds are becoming available for brownfields, but these sites must be identified in order to be eligible for funding, explained Tammy Snodgrass, MRPC's environmental programs manager.
"Former gas stations, dry cleaners and railroad round houses are just some prime examples," Snodgrass said. "Even sites containing asbestos and lead could be potential brownfields." Persons with questions about the application can contact Snodgrass at 572-265-2993. Persons wishing to comment can also do so through MRPC's website at www. meramecregion.org or by simply emailing info@meramecregion.org. The grant deadline is Dec. 14.
Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Officers are Chairman Gary Brown of Salem, Vice Chairman Bob Reed of Washington County, Secretary Mary Heywood of Bourbon and Treasurer Laura Cyr of Rolla.
A professional staff, directed by the MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities upon request.
The public is invited to attend the Dec. 8 meeting.