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City Cleanup from Ice Storm
1-03-2008
The City of Maryville is asking for your assistance to help individual homeowners move their own debris from the
ice storm during the week of December 10, 2007. They are seeking volunteers for Saturday January 12, 2008.
Both individuals and groups are asked to meet around the county courthouse at 8 a.m. with all types of gear
(chain saws, gloves, clippers, hand tools) to help remove tree limbs and debris from private property throughout the
city and place it at the curb for pickup to be done at a later time. Individual property owners that need specific
assistance with cleaning debris off their property are encouraged to contact city hall as they plan on getting this
information to the volunteer group. For further information about the clean up efforts and how to help your community,
call 562.8001.
The City of Maryville plans on entering into a contract towards the end of January to have all debris hauled away from
the right-of-ways. The City and their contract are not permitted to remove debris off private property and this will
be a one time only opportunity. All debris not moved to the curb will be the responsibility of the property owner.
If you can assist or need assistance, please contact City Hall at 562-8001 or 562-8003.
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NWMO Water Partnership Awarded $2.8 Million
1-9-2008
The Northwest Missouri Water Partnership received some news that will move its water provision pipe dreams one step
closer to reality. At their regular monthly meeting, the Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources,
Doyle Childers, announced that eight participating communities in the Water Partnership would share approximately $2.8
Million in grant funds and close to $18 Million in State Revolving Loan funds to kick-start the 12-county water effort.
Made of up volunteers representing each of the 12 counties and three northwest Missouri regional planning commissions,
the Water Partnership has been meeting for nearly two years to develop “Sketch #7”. Sketch #7 is a plan designed to
ensure all 83 water providers through the 12-county northwest Missouri region have permanent access to abundant, clean
drinking water. The plan consists of 280 miles of transmission lines, laid out to interconnect seven existing water
sources, in addition to a new regional water plant in Atchison County, Missouri. The seven water sources include
Maryville, Savannah, Bethany, Middlefork Water Company, Cameron, Plattsburg, and Missouri-American Water Company.
The eight Water Partnership projects announced on Tuesday are funded by the DNR Rural Water Grant program, which is
established to help communities of less than 10,000 people meet their drinking water needs. The funded projects are:
Atchison County Wholesale Water Commission. Five of the eight projects are combined under the Atchison County
Wholesale Water Commission to construct a new regional water plant and transmission lines in Atchison County. The five
grant recipients are the Cities of Rock Port, Tarkio, Fairfax, and Craig, as well as the Atchison County Public Water
Supply District #1. These five projects represent $2.2 Million of the announced award.
Burlington Junction. The community of Burlington Junction will receive $298,000 to construct a clear well, make
distribution improvements, and interconnect with the Nodaway County Public Water Supply District #1. The city will
match the grant with $298,000 of local dollars, for a total project cost of $596,000.
Clearmont. The community of Clearmont will receive $140,000 to abandon their existing wells and water
plant, as well as interconnect with Nodaway PWSD#1. The city is also contributing $50,000 of local dollars, as well as
pursuing grant funds from the Missouri Department of Economic Development for a total project cost of $363,752.
Hopkins. The community of Hopkins will receive $137,000 to make improvements to the existing water
distribution system, as well as interconnect with Nodaway PWSD#1. The city will match the grant with $137,500 of local
dollars, for a total project cost of $274,500.
For more information on the Water Partnership, visit their website at water.nwmorcog.org
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Gov. Blunt Commits Nearly $3 Million for Drinking Water Improvements in Northwest Missouri
1-9-2008
Gov. Matt Blunt today announced he has directed the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to commit approximately
$2.8 million to eight northwest communities for drinking water treatment and distribution improvements. The grant
funds are part of the governor’s Clean Water Initiative.
"The Clean Water Initiative is designed to help Missouri communities meet their water needs," Gov. Blunt said.
"Missourians, our environment and our economy all benefit when communities have an adequate and affordable
infrastructure to provide safe drinking water and to help protect Missouri's rivers and lakes."
The Atchison County Wholesale Water Commission, consisting of Atchison County Public Water Supply District #1 and the
communities of Craig, Fairfax, Rock Port and Tarkio, will use the grants in combination with other funds to construct
a new water treatment facility to produce water on a regional scale, to provide water storage and distribution to
deliver safe and adequate water to wholesale customers and to upgrade individual distribution systems to accept water
from the regional supplier. This is part of a long-term regional plan involving 12 counties in northwest Missouri.
The cities of Burlington Junction, Clearmont and Hopkins in Nodaway County will use their grant funds for their
drinking water projects.
Last June, Gov. Blunt announced that the state would issue $50 million in bonds to assist Missouri communities facing
problems related to drinking water and wastewater treatment. The loans and grants from the Clean Water Initiative will
be administered by the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Water Protection Program and are limited to counties,
municipalities, and water or sewer districts.
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Department Extends Storm Waivers From December Winter Ice Storms
1-9-2008
In response to Gov. Blunt's directive, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has extended its suspension of
specific air and solid waste regulations to allow more time to address wastes generated by the winter ice storms that
occurred Dec. 8 through Dec. 12.
Today's waiver supersedes a previous waiver issued by the department on Dec. 11. The suspensions of the air and solid
waste regulations are valid only for debris resulting from the severe ice storms earlier this month. The air regulations
for open burning and the solid waste regulations have been extended until Feb. 15, 2008.
If city or county officials have additional questions regarding the extension, officials may contact the appropriate
Department of Natural Resources' Regional Office. A map identifying the counties in the jurisdiction of each regional
office is available on the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/regions/regions.htm
or by calling 1-800-361-4827.
Because of the severity of the storms, the ice has resulted in widespread damage in Missouri. Following Executive Order
07-36 and 07-39 issued by the Gov. Matt Blunt, the department is temporarily suspending the requirements of specific
statutes and administrative rules in order to manage the storm debris.
Brush and yard waste debris normally excluded from disposal at permitted sanitary landfills will be allowed under these
extraordinary circumstances as long as the landfill agrees to accept the waste. Where practical, the recycling of these
items is strongly encouraged, though not required. The waiver applies only to yard waste and does not allow disposal of
other items normally prohibited in sanitary or demolition landfills.
The department will not require a permit for burning of vegetative storm debris, however, the burning must take place at
least 200 yards from the nearest neighboring occupied structure and have the approval of local fire officials. Although
200 yards is a minimum distance, a greater setback may be appropriate in some circumstances to ensure protection of public
health and safety.
The department has four delegated local agencies with authority for air pollution control in their respective
jurisdictions. In these jurisdictions, the department is deferring final approval for open burning storm debris to the
local agencies and is giving these local agencies the flexibility to ease the open burning restrictions for storm-related
vegetative waste, as they deem appropriate. The following agencies have been delegated authority from the state to enforce
air pollution regulation in their jurisdiction. Persons wishing to burn in these jurisdictions shall contact the
appropriate agency for approval:
• City of Kansas City -- Kansas City Health Department at (816) 513-6314
• City of St. Louis -- City of St. Louis' Division of Air Pollution Control at (314) 613-7300
• St. Louis County -- St. Louis County Department of Health at (314) 615-8924
• City of Springfield -- Greene County Department of Health at (417) 864-1662
If local air quality agencies approve open burning, such burning should occur with the approval of local fire officials.
Further information, including the full text of the waiver authorizations, is available on the department's natural
disaster resources Web page at: www.dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm.
Factsheets on proper disposal of storm debris and other related is also available on this Web site.
For more information contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-361-4827 or (573) 751-3443, or visit
the department's Web page at www.dnr.mo.gov.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a
complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at
www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.
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FY05 Interoperable Grant Application
2-12-2008
Links to the FY05 Interoperable Grant Application for $800K
http://sema.dps.mo.gov/FY05%20SHSGP%20Interop%20Application.doc
http://sema.dps.mo.gov/FY05%20SHSGP%20Interoperable%20Budget%20Section.xls
This information can be found on the SEMA website, click on the Homeland Security link in the blue column on the left side of the page. Please call Jay Bosch, Interoperable Grant Manager at (573) 526-9236, if you need further assistance.
GRANTS OFFERED FOR HIGH ENERGY COST COMMUNITIES
2-12-2008
Nonprofits, for-profits, state and local governments, and tribes can apply by March 28 for competitive grants to
improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities for communities with high residential home
energy costs. See Federal Register, 1/28/08, pp. 4778-90 or
www.usda.gov/rus/electric. Contact Karen Larsen, RD, 202-720-9545,
energy.grants@wdc.usda.gov.
HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL SYSTEM GRANTS AVAILABLE
2-12-2008
USDA Rural Development offers grants to nonprofits to make loans to homeowners to construct or upgrade household
water well systems for existing homes. Deadline is May 31. See Federal Register, 1/28/08, pp. 4809-15 or
www.usda.gov/rus/water/well.htm. Contact Cheryl Francis, RD,
202-720-1937, cheryl.francis@wdc.usda.gov.
CEDS
4-30-2008
The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments (NWMORCOG) has recently completed the development of a new
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). This document serves as a mechanism for improving economic
development activities, and can be used as a key tool in bringing attention to the planning and developmental efforts
of persons and organizations within the region. This updated CEDS report will serve as a long-term guide for the
political and development communities and will provide a template for economic growth in the region. This report will
be submitted to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) on April 30, 2008, to fulfill the EDA Reform Act of 1998
Guidelines.
NWMORCOG staff used established EDA requirements to prepare the 2008 CEDS Update Report. The initial portion of
the CEDS provides an assessment of Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth counties. This evaluation includes
historical data, population trends, transportation, agricultural and natural resources, industry specifics, local
economic information, available human resources, and infrastructure. Using information collected, regional strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threat were identified. Goals and objectives were created to enhance the strengths and
opportunities, while minimizing the weaknesses and threats. A new CEDS is required to be submitted to EDA at least
every five years. The 2008 CEDS will serve as an outline for activities and program strategies to be implemented
through the year 2013 and will be updated via a CEDS performance report on an annual basis as required by EDA.
The new CEDS will be available for viewing on this website as soon as approval is received from EDA.
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APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THE FEDERAL RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM GRANT
5-5-2008
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has begun accepting grant applications from private organizations
and municipal, state and federal agencies for the fiscal year 2008 grant round of the federal Recreational Trails
Program.
The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration as part of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. A minimum of $900,000 is expected in this cycle.
Eligible project categories include development of trail development or renovation and preservation. All grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis; a minimum 20 percent match is required for projects. Applications must be postmarked by July 18.
To assist potential project sponsors with the application process, Department of Natural Resources staff is planning grant application workshops throughout the state during June:
• Jefferson City -- June 4, 10 a.m., Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Conference Center, Bennett Spring Conference Room, 1739 E. Elm St.
• Kansas City -- June 11, 10 a.m., Mid-America Regional Council, Westview Conference Room, 600 Broadway, Suite 300
• Springfield, June 12, 10 a.m. Myers Alumni Center, Hospitality Room, 300 South Jefferson
• St. Louis -- June 24, 10 a.m., East-West Gateway Council of Governments, One Memorial Drive, Suite 1600
• Sikeston -- June 25, 1 p.m. Sikeston City Parks and Recreation/Clinton Building, 501 Campanella Drive
For more information about the program or workshops, to access an application form or to register online for a workshop, go to www.mostateparks.com/grantinfo.htm. Applications can also be requested by contacting the Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, Grants Management Section, 1659 E. Elm St., Jefferson City, MO 65101 or calling 573-751-3442.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of upcoming meetings and events in the state park system, visit the online calendar at www.mostateparks.com/events/events.htm.
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Gov. Blunt Announces Opening of 2008 DREAM Initiative
5-8-2008
Gov. Matt Blunt today announced the opening of the 2008 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for
Missouri (DREAM) Initiative. Gov. Blunt created the initiative as an opportunity to revitalize the once
prosperous and still promising downtown areas of many Missouri communities in the coming years.
"I created the DREAM Initiative two years ago to help ensure that our small and medium-sized communities are given
the opportunity to share in economic development. Since its creation, the DREAM Initiative has proven to be been a
tremendous success," Gov. Blunt said. "The 20 Missouri communities that have been selected are all much closer to
making their dreams of downtown revitalization come true. I strongly encourage Missouri community leaders to consider
applying for assistance in helping revitalize their downtown regions. The valuable resources made possible by the
DREAM Initiative will help create jobs and enhance opportunities for even more Missouri communities."
Gov. Blunt launched the DREAM to help small and mid-sized Missouri communities navigate through the various
downtown revitalization, business development and residential resources available through state government to further
help those communities with downtown revitalization and job creation efforts. The Missouri Department of Economic
Development (DED) is the lead agency in the effort and works closely with the Missouri Housing Development Commission
and the Missouri Development Finance Board to provide close assistance to the selected communities.
Applications will be due by 5 p.m. on July 18, 2008 and may be obtained through the DREAM Internet site,
www.dream.mo.gov. There will be two applications available,
one for previous applicants who were not selected previously and a second for first time applicants. Gov. Blunt
plans to announce the 2008 DREAM communities at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development in September.
Since Gov. Blunt announced the first 10 DREAM communities in 2006, they have received more than $225 million
in total investment for housing, construction and renovation projects and infrastructure improvements. Public
investment in the communities to date totals $38 million, less than a fourth of the total private investments.
Public funding secured through the governor’s initiative has created an unprecedented $189 million in private
investment to benefit the 10 communities.
Aurora, Cape Girardeau, Caruthersville, Chillicothe, Clinton, Excelsior Springs, Hannibal, Hermann, Kennett,
Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Neosho, Poplar Bluff, St. Joseph, Sedalia, Sikeston, Trenton, Washington, and West
Plains are DREAM communities.
Gov. Blunt has made strengthening Missouri’s economy a top priority. In his first year in office he lead the
successful efforts to enact real lawsuit and workers’ compensation reforms that, combined with new economic programs
like his Quality Jobs Act, have helped employers and entrepreneurs create over 80,000 new jobs since January 2005.
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Low-interest Rate Energy Loan
5-10-2008
We may have spoken in the past about the department's Energy Revolving Fund available to public schools,
universities, colleges, cities, counties, public hospitals and water treatment plants to help reduce energy
costs. I have been advised that . . .
the department has $3.8 million available for energy-efficiency loan projects. 50% of
the available funds will be allocated to public schools (K-12), 25% to city and county government and 25% to
public higher education institutions. The loan cycle is now open and applications for these low-interest loans
will be accepted between June 1 and October 15, 2008.
I wanted you to have access to the information if an energy-related project is on your agenda for anytime
soon.These loans can be used to implement cost-effective energy-efficiency projects such as HVAC upgrades, new
lighting, insulation, window replacement/reduction or any improvement that will result in reduction of energy
cost or consumption. The loans are paid back through yearly energy savings and are awarded for a term not to
exceed 15 years.
Benefits to the recipients include increased comfort for building occupants and reduced energy costs.
Another key benefit is freeing up tax dollars that school districts, higher education facilities and local
government could use for essential services or other capital improvements. These loans are not defined as debt,
therefore this loan financing does not count against debt limits or require a public vote or bond issuance.
The following link will take you to additional information and how to get an application packet.
www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/financial/loan.htm
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Gov. Blunt Announces $300,000 Community Development Block Grant for DREAM City Maryville
6-6-2008
Gov. Matt Blunt today announced that the city of Maryville has been approved for a $300,000 Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). The grant will be utilized to
purchase and renovate a facility to house the operations for the Children and Family Center.
"I am pleased we are able to help the Maryville community with this important effort to enhance its quality of
life," Gov. Blunt said. "We continue to actively assist Maryville and other DREAM communities that are working
diligently to build on their strengths and seek new opportunities to revitalize their downtown business centers
to create and retain jobs."
The proposed project will allow the Children and Family Center, a not-for-profit abused children and
battered spouse shelter, the opportunity to purchase a new facility. The current facility is located in a
century-old farmhouse and is in poor condition. It is also inadequate in terms of living and storage space;
has issues of privacy for clients of the shelter; and is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The new facility, which is less than three years old, has significantly more living and storage space and
is ADA compliant.
Gov. Blunt launched the DREAM to help small and mid-sized Missouri communities navigate through the
various downtown revitalization, business development and residential resources available through state government
to further help those communities with downtown revitalization and job creation efforts. The Missouri Department
of Economic Development (DED) is the lead agency in the effort and works closely with the Missouri Housing
Development Commission and the Missouri Development Finance Board to provide close assistance to the selected
communities.
Since Gov. Blunt announced the first 10 DREAM communities in 2006, they have received more than $225
million in total investment for housing, construction and renovation projects and infrastructure improvements.
Public investment in the communities to date totals $38 million, less than a fourth of the total private
investments. Public funding secured through the governor’s initiative has created an unprecedented $189 million in
private investment to benefit the 10 communities.
Aurora, Cape Girardeau, Caruthersville, Chillicothe, Clinton, Excelsior Springs, Hannibal, Hermann,
Kennett, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Neosho, Poplar Bluff, St. Joseph, Sedalia, Sikeston, Trenton, Washington,
and West Plains are DREAM communities.
Gov. Blunt has made strengthening Missouri’s economy a top priority. In his first year in office he lead
the successful efforts to enact real lawsuit and workers’ compensation reforms that, combined with new economic
programs like his Quality Jobs Act, have helped employers and entrepreneurs create over 80,000 new jobs since
January 2005.
Read More ->
Blunt Announces $1.7 Million in Community Development Block Grants for Seven Missouri Communities
6-6-2008
Gov. Matt Blunt today announced that seven Missouri communities have been approved for a total of $1,736,363 in
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).
“I am pleased the state can award these resources to help improve the quality of life in these communities,” Blunt said. “I look forward to initiating the start of these projects and providing the necessary assistance toward successful completion.”
The city of Bunker has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $208,178. The grant will be utilized to renovate the Reynolds County Sheltered Workshop.
Carter County has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $300,000. The grant will be utilized to construct a library facility for the Carter County Public Library.
The city of Ellsinore has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $300,000. Ellsinore city officials will utilize the CDBG to construct a Head Start facility for the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency.
The city of Kearney has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $300,000. The grant will be utilized to acquire and renovate a facility to house the Senior Center for the Kearney Community Foundation.
The city of Naylor has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $299,687. The grant will be utilized to construct a new firehouse for the Naylor Community Fire Department.
The city of Pickering has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $128,500. the grant will be utilized to construct a new fire station for the Union Township Fire Protection District.
Reynolds County has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $199,998. Reynolds County officials will utilize the grant to construct a new, dual-purpose firehouse and community center for the Bunker Volunteer Fire Department.
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. Grant amounts are determined based on correspondence between DED’s community block grant staff, community officials, engineers or grant administrators.
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Gov. Blunt Commends Rock Port's Use of Wind Energy
8-8-2008
Gov. Matt Blunt today commended Rock Port for their use of wind turbines to power their town. Rock Port is the first community in the nation to be powered solely by harnessing the wind’s energy.
"Some may not consider Missouri to be a traditional ‘green’ state, but responsible efforts like Rock Port’s and the innovative plans we are implementing in state government with the use of green technology are changing the status quo," said Gov. Blunt. "We must protect our environment at the same time as we encourage economic growth. We must ensure that future generations of Americans have the energy they need for continued prosperity as well as a healthy environment. I commend the community of Rock Port for harnessing the natural resource of wind energy prominent in this region of the state. Wind is a clean energy source and Rock Port has the distinction of becoming the first community in the nation to be powered by it."
Four wind turbines provide electricity to the small town of Rock Port and will provide electric service for at least twenty years. The use of this clean energy source will provide a savings to the rural electric companies and Missouri families using Rock Port utilities. It is anticipated that customers will not see an increase in their utility costs for the next 15 to 20 years.
Gov. Blunt recently signed legislation making Missouri the fourth state to enact an environmentally-friendly sales tax holiday joining Connecticut, Florida and Virginia. The legislation creates the "Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday". The holiday will start on April 19th and end on April 25th. All sales of Energy-Star Certified new appliances, up to $1500, will be exempt from state sales tax.
Gov. Blunt has been instrumental in identifying and employing the use of alternative energy sources in Missouri. Last year the governor announced a partnership to create renewable energy and heat using byproducts from the Jefferson City Landfill. Methane gas from the landfill is converted to electricity, and the heat created by conversion facilities is used to heat water for the state prison. The project uses resources that would otherwise have been wasted while at the same time producing benefits for the environment, the state, the prison and local communities. Gov. Blunt’s support for proactive solutions to save energy and protect the environment once implemented will both reduce energy use and save taxpayers nearly $16 million in energy costs. Initiatives include a range of projects from centralizing and monitoring statewide energy consumption to changing laundry operations at prisons.
Last summer the governor signed the Green Power Initiative. The Initiative has been heralded as the most important environmental legislation passed by the state in more than a decade. It decreases pollution from energy production by encouraging an increase in the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, hydroelectricity, solar power, hydrogen and biomass. The legislation sets targets for utilities to meet: a four percent renewable energy target by 2012, eight percent by 2015 and 11 percent by 2020. The legislation also requires the Office of Administration to ensure that at least 70 percent of the new vehicles purchased for the state fleet are flex fuel and allows municipal landfills to accept yard waste in order to create bio-reactors which produce methane gas for use in energy production.
Gov. Blunt has been a dedicated supporter of renewable fuels in our state. The governor fulfilled a promise he made to Missourians when he signed legislation in 2006 requiring all gasoline offered for sale in Missouri to contain 10 percent ethanol (E-10). The new standard championed by Gov. Blunt went into effect at the beginning of this year.
The governor has also worked to pay back the incentive payments that were promised to the Missouri farm families that invested in alternative fuel cooperatives, but were not made before he took office.
Missouri is also home to the only state building in the nation with a platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.
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12th Annual Waste Tire Collection
9-17-2008
The Northwest Missouri Regional Solid Council of Governments, along with the area County Commissions, announces the
12th Annual Waste Tire Collection to be held throughout northwest Missouri.
County residents are allowed to dispose of up to 10 car and light truck tires, 4 semi-truck tires, and 2 rear tractor tires free-of-charge. Rims will be accepted on car and light truck tires only. Please note the disposal quantity has changed this year, and individuals who want to bring in more than the established limits may do so, but 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.
Waste tire collections will be held on the following dates from 8 a.m. until noon:
- September 20, 2008 the Nodaway County Waste Tire Collection will be held at the Nodaway County Maintenance Barn, 1516 East Halsey, in Maryville, MO. Open to Nodaway County Residents.
- October 25, 2008 the Atchison and Holt County Collection will be held at EnTire Recycling, 13974 US Hwy 136, in Rock Port, MO. Open to residents from Atchison and Holt Counties.
- November 1, 2008 the Gentry and Worth County Collection will be held at the Gentry County Maintenance Barn, 1806 Business Hwy 136, Albany, MO (next to York International). Open to residents from Gentry and Worth Counties.
The Waste Tire Collections are available exclusively for the residents of the participating counties. Photo identification is required. 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.
The collection is being funded by a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Northwest Missouri Regional Solid Waste Management District. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Amy Stoner with the Northwest Missouri Regional Solid Waste Management District, (660) 582-5121 or amy@nwmorcog.org.
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Environmental Emergency Response Staff Respond to Water Tower Tampering in Cass County
9-23-2008
On July 24, the Kansas City Regional Office (KCRO) was contacted by a public water district in the Kansas City metropolitan area to report a tampering incident at one of its water towers.
The public water supply district isolated the water tower from the distribution system and notified the police and fire department, who responded to investigate. KCRO also requested assistance from the Environmental Emergency Response (EER) Section.
Roarke Holzschuh and Carter Tharp, state on-scene coordinators (SOSC) from KCRO, immediately responded to the site along with investigators from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division.
The two-year-old water tower holding an estimated 500,000 gallons, which serves more than 2,300 connections, was found to have the security fence locked, but the access hatch at the bottom of the water tower was open and the padlock missing. Water district staff found a five gallon bucket of a granular and liquid substance on the floor inside at the bottom of the ladder access. The five gallon bucket was lying on its side with some of the contents spilled on the floor. The access hatch at the top of the water tower, also at the top of the ladder, was open.
A ground access hatch and an access hatch at the base of the water tower were both discovered to be unlocked in a tampering incident at a Kansas City metropolitan public water supply district.
The fire department climbed the ladder to the top of the water tower to check for any additional chemical hazards. Finding none, the police department then climbed to the top of the tower discovering graffiti inside the ladder access area at the first walking platform. The police department also discovered the access hatch at the top of the water tower that leads directly to the water storage area was closed, but was missing a padlock.
The perimeter fencing for the water tower was found to be damaged in several locations and cut on the south side. The access hatch at ground level that allows access to the water tower’s control system was locked and did not appear to have been breached. The police department dusted the area for finger prints and checked for evidence. After the police department cleared the access hatch, Holzschuh, Tharp and KCRO staff entered the area and collected water samples from the system for analysis at the Environmental Services Program.
Through field testing, the SOSCs determined the bucket of granular and liquid material was a hypochlorite solution used to disinfect swimming pools. KCRO staff instructed the water district to drain the water tower and have it inspected. A dechlorination apparatus was obtained to dechlorinate the water from the tower being discharged to the environment. The water district also informed consumers of the water supply district of the ongoing activities. No abnormal constituents were found in the water samples. The criminal investigation continues.
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Residents in 3 NC counties worry about well water.
9-23-2008
Residents in three North Carolina counties are worried about what pesticides peach farmers used decades ago may be polluting well water today.
The Charlotte Observer reported Saturday that tests done by state health officials have found 117 tainted wells in Montgomery, Richmond, and Moore counties in the past year. Contamination levels as high as 55 times the federal safe drinking-water standard have been detected, and residents in 77 homes where contamination was the worst have been told not to drink or cook with their well water.
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Regional Council to Celebrate 40 Years
9-30-2008
For the past 40 years, the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments (Regional Council) has been working behind the scenes to help improve the quality of life in northwest Missouri. Authorized under the State and Regional Planning Act of 1966, the Regional Council was formally established by Missouri Governor Warren Hearnes in 1968. The Regional Council serves 41 communities in Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth counties, and is housed at 114 West Third Street in Maryville, Missouri.
One of 19 such organizations in the State of Missouri, the Regional Council serves as a link between local
governments (cities, counties) and state and federal agencies. “Often times, a small community doesn’t have the
staff or expertise to navigate state or federal-level bureaucracies. That’s where we can help” said Tye Parsons,
director of the Regional Council. Parsons continued “We’re probably best known for our grant writing for local
governments, but we have many programs that we use to help ensure northwest Missouri isn’t forgotten by our state
and federal agencies. Transportation and economic development planning, solid waste management, and workforce
development are all tools that we use to sustain and hopefully improve the quality of life in northwest Missouri”.
The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments will celebrate 40 years of serving northwest Missouri at
their Annual Dinner, to be held September 25th at the Countryside Bistro.
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Bob Bush Recognized with Regional Leadership Award
9-30-2008
Robert E. (Bob) Bush has been named Northwest Missouri’s Outstanding Leader in Regional Development by the board of directors of the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments. The award, which was created in honor of the Regional Council’s 40th anniversary, is given to an individual who dedicates their time, talents, and passion to the creation of a better northwest Missouri.
Bob will receive the Northwest Missouri’s Outstanding Leader in Regional Development award at the Regional Council’s annual dinner, to be held September 25th.
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Grant Applications Are Available For Outdoor Recreation Projects
10-1-2008
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 Dec. 15. 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 2009 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 800-334-6946 (voice) or 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 November, and the dates and locations will be announced as soon as details are finalized. This information also will be posted on the department's Web page.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/oac/calendar.htm.
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Department Accepts Applications For Scrap Tire Playground Material Grants
12-4-2008
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Program is accepting applications for the 2009 Scrap Tire Material Grant cycle.
These grants promote the use of recycled scrap tires for playground cover or surfacing material for running tracks, walking trails or other surfacing projects. All applications are due Feb. 4.
Approximately $138,000 is available to fund these scrap tire material grants for a variety of non-profit organizations, including schools day care centers, parks and others. Since 1994, the department has awarded almost $1.6 million to 289 organizations for these projects.
Preference will be given to applicants planning to use rubber mats or pour-in-place rubber materials. Applicants seeking to use rubber mats or pour-in-place surfacing will be eligible to receive up to $10,000, while those requesting to use loose, shredded material will be eligible for up to $5,000. All grant recipients will be required to purchase scrap tire material from manufacturers who use at least 40 percent Missouri generated scrap tires in their material.
The source of funds for this grant program is 5 percent of the 50-cent-per-tire fee collected on the sale of new tires in Missouri. The fee also finances the department’s cleanup of scrap tire dumps and inspection and enforcement activities. The 50-cent fee will expire on Jan. 1, 2010, unless it is extended by the legislature.
Applications and instructions are available on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/forms/index.html or www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/forms/form_permit.htm. Applications will not be accepted by fax or e-mail. Mail your application to:
Department of Natural Resources
Solid Waste Management Program
P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or deliver your application by 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4, to:
Department of Natural Resources
Solid Waste Management Program
1738 East Elm Street (Lower Level), Jefferson City, MO 65101
Scrap tires are a dangerous fire hazard and a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Fires from scrap tires release hazardous substances into the air and, when the oil melts from the tires, it can seep into groundwater sources creating environmental problems and scarring on the land. When recycled properly, scrap tires have other beneficial uses, including playground surfaces, running tracks, recycled rubber products and fuel for power plants.
For more information on the Scrap Tire Material Grant process or other solid waste issues, contact the department’s Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.
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