TWO
CONTRACTORS COMPLETE
LEAD SAFE WORK PRACTICES TRAINING AT MRPC
ST. JAMES- Two area contractors successfully completed a training on lead safe
work practices, offered by Meramec Regional Planning Commission on Jan. 21.
Randy Woemmel of Randy Woemmel Sinding Installation of Bland and T.C. Eddards
of J.J. Excavations and MOAT Construction of Rolla both passed the Lead Safe
Work Practices course, which is required to work on some state and federal housing
renovations programs.
"We thank the contractors for taking the time out of their busy schedule to complete this course," said Chuck Cantrell, community development specialist with MRPC. "We currently have housing renovation projects in MRPC's counties and large multi-unit renovation in Newburg, and contractors must have successfully completed a lead-safe work practices class to be hired for the work on these projects," explained Cantrell." With two more contractors certified to work on these projects, we will be better prepared to move these project along in a timely fashion."
The class, conducted by Cantrell, covered safe work practices on reducing lead
hazards during renovations, remodeling and rehabilitation. Lead-based paint,
linked to learning disabilities in children and other health problems, is common
in homes built before 1978. The training was conducted in partnership with Meramec
Community Enhancement Corporation, a local 501(c) 3 nonprofit that works in
partnership with MRPC to address housing needs in the Meramec Region.
The Missouri Housing Development Corporation has awarded MCEC $50,000 for lead-risk
reduction and general rehab work for homes in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries,
Phelps, Osage and Washington counties. Additionally, the city of Newburg has
been awarded $172,200 to help the Newburg Community Housing Inc., a non-profit
senior citizen housing development, renovate its three housing complexes; the
Missouri Department of Economic Development has awarded MCEC $127,525 to renovate
homes in Crawford county, and the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services
has contracted with MRPC to coordinate lead reduction activities on 10 homes
in south central and southern Missouri. These homes have already been identified
as having children with elevated blood levels.
MRPC is an active, voluntary council of local governments serving Crawford,
Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps and Washington counties. The 47-member
volunteer board, made up of elected officials and appointed representatives,
works to enhance the quality of life in the region. A professional staff assists
member communities and counties in the areas of economic and community development,
environmental planning, business loans, ordinance codification, child care and
housing. Since its formation some 35 years ago, MRPC has secured in excess of
$40 million worth of grants to benefit specific cities and counties in the region.
Other contractors interested in learning more about the renovation projects
or safe lead practices can contact Cantrell at (573) 265-2993 or by email at
ccantrell@meramecregion.org.