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Archive
» 2007 News
Gov. Blunt Seeks Relief Funding to Help Missourians Recover from Winter Storm
12-20-2007
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Matt Blunt asked President Bush to approve a Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance for
42 Missouri counties as a result of the winter storms that impacted Missouri statewide beginning early December.
"I am asking the President for federal assistance to help the many Missourians who spent long days and nights
without power battling ice, sleet, snow, heavy rain, flooding and frigid temperatures," Gov. Blunt said. "I have seen
first hand the compassion of Missourians as they have come together to help rebuild their neighborhoods and communities.
We have been providing state assistance to help with the recovery and this request would provide additional federal
resources for Missourians."
Statewide the winter storm claimed four Missouri lives and brought treacherous road conditions and power outages to more
than 170,000 families. State government, churches and charitable organizations responded by opening 77 shelters and ten
warming centers serving thousands of people who had been left without food, water or power.
Gov. Blunt is asking for Federal Public Assistance for all categories and Hazard Mitigation for the entire state.
Counties requested for Public Assistance include Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Audrain, Barton, Benton, Boone, Buchanan,
Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Cedar, Clinton, Cole, Dade, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Hickory, Holt, Jasper,
Lincoln, Linn, McDonald, Mercer, Miller, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Nodaway, Osage, Pike, Putnam, St Clair,
Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan, Warren, and Worth Counties.
The request for a Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance is based on reports from preliminary damage assessments
collected by ten joint federal, state and local teams. The teams identified over $28.4 million in damages to public
infrastructure in 42 counties. The teams are continuing to collect damage information from additional counties through
this week.
If the President approves Gov. Blunt’s request, Public Assistance will reimburse jurisdictions for their eligible
emergency protective actions, repairs, or replacement of damaged infrastructure and debris clearance. Additional counties
may be requested as damage information continues to be collected.
Gov. Blunt personally toured seven devastated areas to assess the extent of the damage and responded rapidly to the
dangerous weather by leveraging all state resources available. He activated the State Emergency Operations Center
during the early stages of the storm, declared a State of Emergency as the bad weather progressed and deployed the
National Guard to assist.
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Emergency CDBG for Rock Port
11-6-2007
Gov. Matt Blunt announced that the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) has approved an Emergency
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Rock Port in the amount of $318,594.
The CDBG will be utilized for the emergency repair of a collapsed concrete culvert which has failed due to excessive
rains and the resultant runoff. The street and the sidewalk at this point are simply hanging over the open gap that
has developed beneath them. This poses a serious and immediate threat, particularly to the youth in the community.
Market Street is the only reasonable walking route from the neighborhood located on the north side of the failed
culvert to the school complex located several blocks to the south. This is the common route used by all students
who are walking to school and by residents walking to the downtown business district. The City of Rock Port will
provide $6,000 in matching funds. They will also provide in-kind services of $15,262 for construction inspection.
City officials contacted NWMORCOG on August 14, 2007 seeking advice on where they might find assistance for this
project. Tye Parsons spoke to representatives at the Department of Economic Development who felt that this project
could fit the requirements of an emergency CDBG. Andy Macias with Snyder and Associates worked quickly to provide a
preliminary engineering report, while Arnie Kreek began drafting the grant application. On September 27, only six
weeks after notification of the need, the grant application was submitted. On October 15, notification was issued
that the grant had been approved. The environmental assessment is nearing completion and the project should soon be
ready to go to bid.
The CDBG program, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, provides grants and loan funds to
cities with a population under 50,000 and counties under 200,000 to assist in a variety of public works and economic
development projects.
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NWMO State University becomes Partner in Tire-recycling
11-02-2007
Northwest has parterned with Carbolytic Materials Co. to find a better enviromentally friendly solution to the scrap
tire problem.
To Read full article click here.
$471,342 in Region H Homeland Security Grants Now Available
10-19-2007
The Region H Homeland Security Oversight Committee (HSOC) announces $471,342 in federal homeland security grant funds,
available to local jurisdictions in the counties of Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb,
Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, and Worth. Funding categories for the 2007 grant cycle
include Agriculture Risk Management, Medical Surge, Mass Sheltering and Volunteer Management, Interoperable
Communications, and Interoperable Communication as Related to 9-1-1. Jurisdictions interested in requesting further
information or an application may do so by contacting Jackie Spainhower at the Mo-Kan Regional Council at
jwilson@mo-kan.org or by visiting www.missouriregionh.com.
In an effort to maximize the return on investments of future homeland security grants in Missouri, Governor Blunt,
early in his administration, realized the need to improve the way homeland security grant funds were administered and
spent. He empowered the State Homeland Security Advisory Council to authorize jurisdictions and governmental agencies
at the most basic level to provide input into how these federal dollars will be spent. Based on Highway Patrol Troop
Area geographic boundaries, nine Regional Oversight Committees were created across the state to assist with this
process. These regional committees make recommendations to the Homeland Security Advisory Council for program and
equipment priorities.
Within Region H, 16 core disciplines are represented on the Oversight Committee, including emergency management, police,
sheriff, fire, EMS, county, city, public works, 9-1-1 coordinators, Homeland Security Response Team, volunteer
organizations, public utilities/private industry, county health, agriculture, hospitals and elementary and secondary
schools. The Oversight Committee is also comprised of ex-officio representatives from various state agencies,
including State Highway Patrol, Division of Fire Safety, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture,
Department of Transportation, State Water Patrol, Air National Guard, Homeland Security and the State Emergency
Management Agency.
Applications are due to Mo-Kan Regional Council no later than 5 p.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2007. Local requests will
be reviewed by subcommittee members of the Region H HSOC, who will identify local priorities, capabilities, and
coordinate regional programs and activities. Final recommendations will be presented to the HSOC in January with a
formal request submitted to the State in February. It is anticipated that funds will be awarded in April of 2008.
For additional information, please contact Jackie Spainhower at the Mo-Kan Regional
Council, 816-233-3144 or visit www.missouriregionh.com.
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11th Annual Waste Tire Collection
9-13-2007
The Northwest Missouri Regional Solid Waste Management District, in conjunction with participating cities and counties,
has announced the 11th Annual Waste Tire Collections to be held in the following counties; Atchison, Gentry, Nodaway, and
Worth. The District is able to offer the waste tire collection free to residents of each county through a grant from the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
County residents are allowed to dispose of up to 25 car and light truck tires, 10 semi-truck tires, and 5 rear tractor
tires free-of-charge. Rims will be accepted on car and light truck tires only. If anyone wants to bring in more than
the established limits, then a fee of $1.00 per car and light truck tire, $5.00 per semi-truck tire, and $10.00 per
rear tractor tire will be assessed per resident.
The following sites were selected this year to participate.
September 15 - Atchison County at Entire Recycling on Hwy 136 in Rock Port
September 22 - Worth County in Grant City at the Maintenance Barn on S. Lion Street
October 13 - Gentry County in Stanberry at the landfill on Poplar Street
October 20 - Nodaway County in Maryville at the Maintenance Barn on E. Halsey Street
Each collection will run from 8 a.m. to noon
The waste tire collection is available exclusively for the residents of each respective county. Businesses that repair
or sell tires are not eligible for the program and are subject to the rules established by the Missouri Department of
Natural Resources governing the legal disposal of waste tires. Photo identification is required to dispose of tires.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Amy Stoner with the Northwest Missouri Regional Solid Waste
Management District at (660) 582-5121 or amy@nwmorcog.org.
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GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION PROJECTS
9-4-2007
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund to assist in financing outdoor recreation projects.
All local governments and public school districts are eligible for the federal funds,
which are made available through the National Park Service. Projects can be for the development or renovation of outdoor recreational facilities or for acquisition of park land. A 55 percent match is required.
Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 15, 2007. Funding for this grant cycle has not yet been appropriated by Congress. Should it be appropriated, an estimated $500,000 is expected to be awarded in the fiscal year 2008 cycle.
In Missouri, the Department of Natural Resources administers the grant program. Electronic versions of the application are available on the department's Web page at www.mostateparks.com/grantinfo.htm. Applications can also be requested by writing to the Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, Grants Management Section, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, by phone at 1-800-334-6946 (voice) or 1-800-379-2419 (Telecommunications for the Deaf), or by e-mailing marilyn.lehman@dnr.mo.gov.
The department will hold workshops around the state to assist agencies interested in applying for these grants. These workshops will be held in October, and the dates and locations will be announced once details are finalized.
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Imagery for the State of Missouri project
8-28-2007
The response to the opportunity to buy-up better DOQ products has been significant.
There have been a number of counties, cities and council of governments express interest.
Here is a MAP of where MGISAC stands on interest levels from various
partners. The map is current to August 6, 2007.
Although there has been significant interest, a number of letters of intent have not been specific on what the interest
level is. For instance, some partners have sent letters stating that they are interested in participating, but have
not given a resolution. If you are at all interested in partnering on a buy up, please review the map. If you are one
of the counties listed as 'Interested in Buy up; no resolution given', please let MGISAC know what resolution you are
interested in. If you are interested, but do not see your area on the map, please let MGISAC know again. A number of
blank maps were sent in and they were unable to determine what the interest level is.
Please try to respond back via e-mail with the necessary info. If you are making changes or filling in missing info,
please provide that information in your response. If you are not listed in the map and want to partner, please respond
with contact info, area of interest and resolution/film type desired. Please try to respond back no later than August 10.
This is an excellent opportunity for federal, state and local governments to work together to build data. The Imagery
for the State Project represents the first statewide leaf-off DOQ project since 1995. Please let Anthony A. Spicci
know if you have any questions. Please try to attend a MGISAC meeting. The next meeting is August 9 in Jefferson City.
Visit www.mgisac.org for information.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Anthony by
his contact info listed below.
Anthony A. Spicci
Missouri State GIO
GIS Supervisor - Missouri Department of Conservation
1110 S. College Avenue Columbia, MO 65201
voice (573) 882-9909 x3295 fax (573) 882-4517
Tony.Spicci@mdc.mo.gov
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Governor’s Clean Water Initiative
8-27-2007
As you may already know, Governor Blunt recently signed legislation authorizing $50 million in funding for rural water and wastewater projects. These funds are allocated to four programs:
• Forty Percent State Construction Grants (wastewater)
• Rural Sewer Grants (wastewater)
• Rural Drinking Water Grants (potable water)
• Direct Loans (water or wastewater)
The application period for these newly-available funds is now open, with anticipated fund availability in November. Though $50 Million is a substantial amount, spread statewide, there will be many projects that do not receive funding. As such, if your community is considering a water or wastewater project and is interested in accessing these funds, it is crucial to make application as soon as possible. The application process must include not only a preliminary engineering report, but also a strategy to finance the project gap (the above programs will pay 40%-50% of a project).
As always, the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments is ready to assist any of our member communities in preparing grant application documents. With more stringent water/wastewater regulations being imposed on municipal systems and an increased focus on the water issues of Northwest Missouri by the DNR, this is an opportune time to develop funding strategies for your water/wastewater infrastructure.
If you have any questions, or would like more information on how your community can utilize the above-mentioned programs, please feel free to contact Tye Parasons at (660) 582-5121 or tye@nwmorcog.org.
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2010 Census LUCA Workshop
8-9-2007
Census data is vitally important to the communities and counties of northwest Missouri. From the redistribution of
local voting precincts to the number of congressional members Missouri is granted in the House of Representatives,
census data affects all levels of government and all aspects of public life. Each year, over $200 billion in federal
funds are
distributed throughout the country based on census data. Many of the grant programs utilized by the Northwest Missouri
Regional Council of Governments (RCOG) to aid our communities and counties have eligibility guidelines based on
population and household income; an accurate count is absolutely vital in accessing those funding streams for northwest
Missouri.
Though it’s hard to believe, the initial steps in the 2010 Census are already well underway. The United States Census
Bureau has been at work behind the scenes for several months now in preparation to roll out the first phase of the next
decennial census. That phase is known as the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA).
LUCA is a program designed by the Census Bureau to allow local governments the opportunity to update the physical
addresses where individuals reside within their local jurisdiction. This first step is critical in ensuring an
accurate count, for the Census Bureau will utilize the addresses reported in LUCA to verify residences and ultimately
send census questionnaires. Note that if your local jurisdiction has changed your addressing method (i.e., changed to
911 addressing) or added addresses since the 2000 Census, the Bureau will not have your correct information. Also note
that both cities and counties will be given the opportunity to participate in the LUCA process to ensure all citizens are counted.
There are a number of different participation levels within LUCA, including complete review of all local addresses,
electronic submission of existing addresses, challenges of census addresses, map updates, and hardcopy submission of
non-city addresses (such as rural routes). The staff of the RCOG has been in contact with the Census Bureau about
LUCA, and is ready to help the cities and counties in northwest Missouri report their addresses. Later this month,
your jurisdiction will receive an invitation to participate in the LUCA process from the U.S. Census Bureau. To help
ensure Northwest Missouri is accurately counted, the RCOG is recommending that all cities and counties in the region
participate in the LUCA program.
The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments, in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, is hosting a 2010 Census LUCA workshop in late September. Please consider sending at least one representative from your city or county to this workshop to help ensure our region is accurately counted. The enclosed flyer details the workshop’s date, time, and location. I have also included a brochure explaining the LUCA process. For more information, visit the 2010 Census Website at http://www.census.gov/2010census/ or the RCOG’s website at http://www.nwmorcog.org.
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Gov. Blunt Announces $493,086 in Community Development Block Grants for Two Missouri Communities
8-9-2007
JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt today announced that two Missouri communities have been awarded Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). The grants total $493,086.
The city of Bolivar has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $250,000. The grant will be used to assist in the
proposed Simon Place housing development. The award of the CDBG funding is contingent upon the proposed project
achieving an award of Low Income Tax Credits from the Missouri Housing Development Commission.
Worth County has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $243,086. The grant will be used for installation of an
elevator in the county courthouse. This will assist the county in achieving compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OPENS APPLICATION PERIOD FOR STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (SAFER) GRANTS
8-9-2007
July 27, 2007 - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted today the Program Guidance document for the FY2007 SAFER Grants at the website
for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program - www.firegrantsupport.com. Under the Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act of 2007, Congress appropriated $115 million
for SAFER Grants. DHS has also made available today an online applicant tutorial, Frequently Asked Questions and other
materials to assist applicants in their preparation of competitive applications for these grants.
Beginning July 30, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin
accepting applications for SAFER Grants. The deadline for receipt of the SAFER Grant applications will be 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Daylight Time on August 31, 2007.
The applications will be automated and will be accessible from the website for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant
AFG) Program at www.firegrantsupport.com. The website also provides useful
information on the SAFER Grants' priorities and processes that are discussed in the Program Guidance. A list of
Frequently Asked Questions is available, and will be updated, as the program staff learns about the areas of inquiry.
An applicant tutorial on the SAFER Grant, designed to instruct users regarding the preparation and submittal of
competitive applications, is also now available at www.firegrantsupport.com. Applicants who have questions regarding
the SAFER Grant opportunities should contact the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. During the
SAFER application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (EDT), but is prepared
to revise hours of operation based on volume and demand.
Eligible applicants for SAFER Grants include fire departments (for the hiring of firefighters) and state or local
organizations as well as volunteer and combination fire departments (for volunteer recruitment and retention grants).
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the SAFER Program Guidance, and utilize all other assistance materials
available on the AFG Website.
The SAFER Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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Five-Year Transportation Program Approved - Northwest District Projects
7-18-2007
ST. JOSEPH, MO -- The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission today approved a new five-year transportation
construction program that shows spending for Missouri's roads and bridges will plummet in fiscal year 2010, which
begins July 1, 2009.
The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP, identifies all transportation projects planned by state and
regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 (July 1, 2007-June 30, 2012). It reflects a large amount
of highway construction in 2008, largely due to additional funding from voter-approved Amendment 3. However, stagnant
state fuel taxes, lagging federal revenue and increasing construction, maintenance and fuel costs will cause highway
funding to fall off a cliff in 2010.
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2007 Annual Dinner
7-18-2007
A recognition of the accomplishments of the Regional Council staff and its partners.
When:
5:30 - 7:30 pm Thursday, August 9, 2007
Where:
J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom,
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri
Schedule:
5:30 - Social
6:00 - Guest Speaker (Mike Thomson)
6:30 - Dinner
7:30 - Program
Read More ->
District-wide Collections a Success
6-27-2007
District-wide Collections for Electronics and White Goods were held by the Northwest Missouri Solid Waste Management
District with help from participating counties and cities. The collections were held on Saturday mornings with workers
provided by the county commissions, which often included the commissioners themselves. The District is able to offer
the collections free to the residents of each county through a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The goal for the collections was to divert at least 10 Tons of waste material from the local waste stream. Initial figures
show that the goal was met and exceeded. Midwest Electronic Recovery was contracted to haul and recycle the electronic
waste that was collected, while the white goods were recycled by GEM Enterprises.
In conjunction with the Holt and Nodaway County events, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) was also collected from the
residents. Clean Harbors Environmental Services was contracted to haul and dispose of the waste. It is estimated that
over 2 Tons of HHW was collected during the events, including used oil and antifreeze, paint, and a wide range of household
chemicals.
The Northwest Missouri Solid Waste Management District encourages residents to properly dispose of all waste materials.
The District holds collection events throughout the year to help ensure banned and recyclable materials do not enter the
local waste stream. For more information on upcoming collections, contact Amy Stoner (660) 582-5121 or email
amy@nwmorcog.org.
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Nodaway County Hazard Mitigation Plan Complete
6-27-2007
The Nodaway County Hazard Mitigation Draft Plan was completed April 30, 2007. Establishing the plan in association with the State of Missouri-State
Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will allow the county to apply for federal mitigation grant funding in case a natural disaster destroys a crucial portion of the county.
The four part plan covers the demographics, identified hazards, local capabilities, and mitigation strategies for Nodaway County.
The Hazard Mitigation Committee identified vulnerable structures and areas throughout the county, and also discussed ways to lessen the effects of natural hazards to those areas.
The Hazard Mitigation Committee chose five primary goals for the Nodaway County Hazard Mitigation Plan: Saving the lives, property, and livelihoods of all citizens;
Managing growth in designated hazard areas; Ensuring continued operation of government and emergency functions in the event of a disaster; Ensuring access to information
regarding hazard preparation and recovery; and Maintaining economic activities essential to the survival and recovery from natural hazards.
The Hazard Mitigation Committee consisted of representatives from local governments and emergency service providers throughout Nodaway County.
The Regional Council would like to thank all who participated in the planning process. The information provided by members of the Hazard Mitigation Committee was
vital in the planning preparation.
For further information, contact Amy Stoner at (660) 582-5121.
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