Emergency Plasnning Committee elects officers, approves budget

June 27, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Josh Hester or Tammy Snodgrass (573)-265-2993

EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE ELECTS OFFICERS, APPROVES BUDGET

ST. JAMES – Dawn Warren, emergency management director for Gasconade County, was re-elected chairperson of the Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee during its June 21 meeting in St. James.

In addition to retaining Warren, the board also unanimously voted to re-elect Margaret Biolsi, of Rolla, as its vice-chair. The two have served in those capacities over the last year.

In other business, the board

Unanimously voted to approve a $35,195 budget for 2006-07. The bulk of the cost will cover the day-to-day activities and meeting preparation, which are handled by Meramec regional Planning Commission. The budget number also includes $7,000 for training grants – $1,000 was budgeted for training in each county. Applications will tentatively be available in August and due in September.
Tammy Snodgrass, of MRPC, presented a draft of the annual Hazardous Materials Response Plan to members of the committee and a copy of MREPC’s annual report to the Missouri Emergency Response Commission, which included the application for LEPC funding. Tammy Snodgrass, of MRPC, presented the information, which is updated annually, to committee members.

The purpose of MREPC is to work with local governments as well as the private sector to maintain plans responsive to chemical hazards, which seriously threaten the area. The committee meets quarterly, and meetings are open to the public. The next meeting is planned Sept. 27 at noon at MRPC. Persons needing more information about the MREPC or chemicals in the region may contact Meramec Regional Planning Commission at (573) 265-2993. The planning commission, a voluntary council of local governments serving the Meramec Region, provides staff support for the local emergency planning committee.

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