/news-rss MO.gov News Feed Sun, 01 Dec 2024 20:32:31 +0000 en-us https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-requests-federal-disaster-declaration-response-severe-1 13261 at https://governor.mo.gov Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:12:17 +0000 Governor Parson Requests Federal Disaster Declaration in Response to Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding johnathan.shiflett Tue, 11/26/2024 - 15:12 November 26, 2024 Today, Governor Mike Parson requested that President Joe Biden approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in 14 counties in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred November 3 - 9, 2024, resulting in significant damage to public infrastructure. Jefferson City Today, Governor Mike Parson requested that President Joe Biden approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in 14 counties in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred November 3 - 9, 2024, resulting in significant damage to public infrastructure.“For the past week, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been working in close coordination with our federal and local partners to document damage in the impacted areas,” Governor Parson said. “We are confident that federal assistance will be forthcoming and appreciate all the work that’s already been done by SEMA, local responders, and partner agencies to help these communities recover.”Joint damage assessments conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), SEMA, and local emergency managers estimate nearly $45 million in infrastructure damage and emergency response costs eligible for federal assistance.Governor Parson is requesting Public Assistance for the following counties: Carter, Crawford, Dent, Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas, Washington, and Wright.If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.On Tuesday, November 5, Governor Parson issued Executive Order 24-14 declaring a state of emergency and activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions in order to provide assistance.SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials, fellow state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov. https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/thousand-hills-state-park-certified-urban-night-sky-place 270431 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:54:30 +0000 Thousand Hills State Park certified as an Urban Night Sky Place Rachel Bruemmer Tue, 11/26/2024 - 12:54 Release Date Tuesday, November 26, 2024 JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 25, 2024 – Missouri State Parks announced today that DarkSky International has certified Thousand Hills State Park in Kirksville as an Urban Night Sky Place. A culmination of years of collaborative effort, the certification validates the park’s work in protecting the night sky above and around the city from the effects of light pollution."This achievement reflects the dedication of Thousand Hills State Park, DarkSky Missouri, Truman State University and the city of Kirksville to reducing light pollution as a vital step toward protecting and celebrating the region's significant cultural and natural resources,” said Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places program manager. “It is encouraging to see so many collaborators supporting this effort." Ryan Persinger, superintendent of Thousand Hills State Park, spearheaded the initiative to promote night sky preservation and light pollution abatement. He has worked diligently in making certain the park met the standards to earn the certification.“First, we had to determine which DarkSky certification the park would qualify for, and then we worked to get the park lighting and management plans to meet those requirements. We developed a light management plan for the park and inventoried all the outdoor light fixtures in the park,” Persinger said. “After getting 67% of the park lights to meet the certification requirements and getting community support letters, we were able to submit our application to DarkSky International.”The idea for the DarkSky certification came about in early 2020 from a group of Truman State University students under the guidance of their professor Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale. Persinger then worked with both DarkSky Missouri and DarkSky International for application and certification requirements and guidance. The park team worked with the Adair County Public Library and Truman State University on dark sky and astronomy programming and gathered community support letters.By 2021, Persinger submitted the initial certification inquiry to start the process with DarkSky Missouri, and by September 2024, Thousand Hills State Park received their certification. The park’s outdoor lighting is currently 78% compliant with plans to be 100% compliant by the end of 2025.“We work to keep the light pollution in and around our parks to a minimum to help protect the beauty of the night,” said David Kelly, director of Missouri State Parks. “We view this park as a beautiful area, near a large city, where our guests can enjoy the darkness and beautiful night skies that our ancestors enjoyed.”Thousand Hills State Park now joins more than 220 Dark Sky Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more by visiting darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/.Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville, Missouri. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.***Photo caption: Pictured right to left are Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale of Truman State University; Jesze Doleh and Ryan Persinger from Thousand Hills State Park; Missouri State Parks Director David Kelly; Missouri State Parks Deputy Director Melanie Smith; Missouri State Parks Deputy Regional Director Brett Barnes; and Missouri State Parks Regional Director Dustin Webb.About the International Dark Sky Places Program: Founded in 2001, the International Dak Sky Places Program is a nonregulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change and block our view and connection to the universe. Learn more at darksky.org.    Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-45-million-clark-county-consolidated-public-water-supply-district-no-1 270416 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:19:27 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $4.5 million to Clark County Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 Rachel Bruemmer Tue, 11/26/2024 - 10:19 Release Date Monday, November 25, 2024 District will make drinking water system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 26, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $4.5 million in financial assistance to the Clark County Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 for upgrades to the district’s drinking water storage and distribution systems. The funding is expected to cover the cost of the entire project, which is anticipated to be completed by November 2025.The project will include a new 150,000-gallon elevated water tower, some new water lines and other upgrades. These improvements will allow the district to continue offering safe drinking water for years to come with a modern and well-functioning drinking water system.The funding for the project consists of a $1.8 million grant and a $2.7 million low-interest loan, both from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The loan is subject to more than $1.1 million in principal forgiveness. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the district’s ratepayers $3 million in principal and approximately $495,000 in interest over the loan’s 20-year term.“If Missouri communities are to grow and thrive, they simply must have reliable, up-to-date infrastructure, like the systems that treat drinking water and wastewater,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “Maintenance and updates to these systems can be very expensive, so we have to find ways to help them afford those very important projects.”“We are proud to offer qualified Missouri communities funding assistance vehicles that can help them undertake water and wastewater improvement projects,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We can tailor assistance programs for cities of all sizes so they can improve their treatment systems. This in turn helps protect public and environmental health, and improves the quality of life for Missourians.”The department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems, water storage and supply facilities, along with interconnection or consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a project manager.The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-640-million-metropolitan-st-louis-sewer-district-wastewater-system-improvements 270411 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:15:58 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $640 million to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District for wastewater system improvements Rachel Bruemmer Tue, 11/26/2024 - 10:15 Release Date Monday, November 25, 2024 Loan is largest ever from Missouri’s Clean Water State Revolving FundJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 25, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $640 million low-interest loan to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District for upgrades to its wastewater system. The funding will cover the entire cost of the second of a two-phase project, which is expected to be completed in December 2028.This project includes replacing the multiple hearth incinerators at both the Lemay and Bissell Point wastewater treatment facilities with new fluidized bed incinerators, capable of meeting new air-emission requirements. Improvements will also include new sludge dewatering processes and construction of new solids processing buildings at both facilities for the new incineration and dewatering process systems. The project will result in improved air and water quality for the citizens of Missouri.Project funding consists of a $640 million loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the district’s ratepayers approximately $402 million in interest payments over the loan’s 30-year term.“This is a big win for our customers and St. Louis,” said Bret Berthold, executive director of MSD Project Clear. “While immediate cost savings won’t be felt today, securing the SRF loan through the Department of Natural Resources will save MSD customers more than $400 million in interest payments over the next three decades. The Solids Management Upgrade Project is the largest project we’ve ever undertaken and it will significantly improve air quality, reduce emissions and support a healthier future for our region.”“Significant endeavors usually require substantial investment, and this project perfectly reflects that reality,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “We are absolutely committed to making sure that Missourians in every community have access to quality infrastructure that they rely on every day for life, health and economic opportunity.” “We are proud to provide MSD this record level of assistance for a massive wastewater project that will have such a positive impact for many years to come,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We have assistance programs for communities of all sizes so they can improve their water infrastructure. Our staff are available to assist communities with their funding application, and we can tailor a funding package to meet the individual community’s needs.”The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection systems rehabilitation and extensions, combined sewer overflow corrections, as well as for security, efficiency and conservation measures. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a department project manager.The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/srf/index.html. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 For Immediate Release:               November 26, 2024    Contact:                                        JoDonn Chaney, Communications Director (573) 526-0949                                                                                                                                          https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-13-million-burlington-junction 270401 at https://dnr.mo.gov Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:14:05 +0000 Department of Natural Resources awards $1.3 million to Burlington Junction Rachel Bruemmer Mon, 11/25/2024 - 17:14 Release Date Monday, November 25, 2024 City will make wastewater system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 27, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $1.3 million in financial assistance to the city of Burlington Junction in Nodaway County for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The funding will cover the project’s total cost, which is expected to be completed by October 2025.The project includes installation of a chlorine disinfection system and improvements to the storage and transfer structures. These upgrades will allow the city to achieve compliance with wastewater standards and extend the system’s life and efficiency so it can continue serving the city well into the future.Project funding consists of a $615,000 loan and a $689,939 grant through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The assistance provided by the department will save the city’s ratepayers an estimated $689,939 in principal and approximately $213,000 in interest over the loan’s 20-year term.“An important part of our job is making sure Missouri communities can plan and fund infrastructure improvements, and that includes upgrades to that drinking water and wastewater treatment systems that are crucial to every community’s health and vitality,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson.“Grants and low-interest loans through the State Revolving Fund help qualified communities with water and wastewater treatment system improvements that they might not have been able to undertake otherwise,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection system rehabilitation and extension, and combined sewer overflow corrections, as well as security, efficiency and conservation measures. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a department project manager.Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department is committed to assisting qualified Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.   Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://labor.mo.gov/news/press-releases/minimum-wage-set-increase-january-1 34371 at https://labor.mo.gov Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:13:31 +0000 Minimum Wage Set to Increase on January 1 nomland Mon, 11/25/2024 - 16:13 November 25, 2024 On November 5, Missouri voters approved Proposition A, amending Chapter 290 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri to provide an increase to the state’s minimum wage. Pending certification of the election results, a minimum wage of $13.75 per hour will take effect on January 1, 2025, and a minimum wage of $15.00 per hour will take effect on January 1, 2026. Thereafter, all future annual adjustments to the minimum wage will be based on the Consumer Price Index.Current state law provides for a minimum wage of $12.30 per hour.  Missouri’s minimum wage has increased from $7.65 in 2015 to $12.30 in 2024, with adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (this minimum wage was set as a result of Proposition B, approved by voters in 2018, and would have increased the minimum wage to $12.65 in 2025). Communications Staff Department of Labor and Industrial Relations573-751-4091communications2@labor.mo.gov https://dese.mo.gov/missouri-releases-2024-annual-performance-reports 31516 at https://dese.mo.gov Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:29:53 +0000 Missouri Releases 2024 Annual Performance Reports Ms. Megan Edwards Mon, 11/25/2024 - 08:29 Read more about Missouri Releases 2024 Annual Performance Reports The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released the statewide Annual Performance Reports (APRs) for the 2023-24 school year. APRs demonstrate the progress local education agencies (LEAs) and individual buildings are making toward meeting the standards and indicators in the sixth version of the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 6). https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-and-first-lady-parson-invite-families-candlelight-tours-annual-tree 13251 at https://governor.mo.gov Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:44:54 +0000 Governor and First Lady Parson Invite Families to Candlelight Tours, Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Governor's Mansion johnathan.shiflett Fri, 11/22/2024 - 15:44 November 22, 2024 Governor and First Lady Parson Invite Families to Candlelight Tours,  Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Governor's Mansion  Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson cordially invite families to attend this year’s Candlelight Tours and annual tree lighting ceremony at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion on Friday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. The annual lighting of the tree will be followed by this year’s Candlelight Tours. The Candlelight Tours will run until 8:00 p.m.The Governor's Mansion Christmas tree will arrive on Monday, December 2, 2024, between 7 - 8 a.m. A portion of Madison Street will be closed during this time. The tree that will be displayed on the Mansion lawn is a 40-ft Norway Spruce donated by the family of Daryl and Sherry Richardson of Boone County.Missouri Department of Conservation staff and Missouri Office of Administration staff will install the Mansion lawn tree. Members of the media are invited to cover the arrival and placement of the tree on the lawn.In addition to the Governor's Mansion, this year, the Governor's Gardens and the Maus House will also be decorated. The Governor's Gardens will feature a 30-ft Christmas tree, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be hosted at the Maus House from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. on December 11th, 13th, 17th, and 19th. Families are encouraged to bring their children to meet Santa Claus.This year's theme is "A Christmas Hug: The Farewell to the Parson Family." During the Candlelight Tours, visitors will be able to walk through the festively decorated ground floor of the Governor's Mansion.The Candlelight Tours are free and open to the public. Visitors will enter through the Madison Street gate. https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parson-announces-three-judicial-appointments-5 13241 at https://governor.mo.gov Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:16:31 +0000 Governor Parson Announces Three Judicial Appointments johnathan.shiflett Fri, 11/22/2024 - 13:16 November 22, 2024 Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 14th, 16th, and the 21st Judicial Circuits.  Jefferson City Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 14th, 16th, and the 21st Judicial Circuits.Garreth Cooksey, of Hannibal, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Randolph County in the 14th Judicial Circuit.Mr. Cooksey is an assistant prosecuting attorney in Marion County. He holds Bachelors of Arts in English and business administration from Truman State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. He will fill the vacancy created by retirement of the Honorable James M. Cooksey.Patrick C. Edwards, of Kansas City, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit.Mr. Edwards is an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri. He holds Bachelors of Arts in political science and history from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Justine E. Del Muro.Jason K. Lewis, of Wildwood, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit.Mr. Lewis is general counsel to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Juris Doctor from Washington University in St. Louis. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Lorne J. Baker as Circuit Judge. https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/missouri-geological-survey-opens-renovated-rock-lab-shares-campus-redevelopment-plans 270276 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 21 Nov 2024 18:08:06 +0000 Missouri Geological Survey opens renovated Rock Lab, shares campus redevelopment plans Karen Kremer Thu, 11/21/2024 - 18:08 Release Date Friday, November 22, 2024 Missouri Geological Survey opens renovated Rock Lab, shares campus redevelopment plansJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 22, 2024 - The Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey welcomed local leaders and industry professionals to its Rolla campus on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for a tour and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly renovated Rock Lab. Over the past year, the agency has transformed the facility from a storage space to a modern Earth sciences laboratory. During the event, MoDNR officials shared that even more changes will be coming to the Rolla campus in the coming years.“These projects are the latest evidence of how important mastery of Earth sciences will be for Missouri’s future,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin. “They also show how the Department of Natural Resources will undertake the steps necessary to improve the quality of life for Missouri’s residents while guaranteeing our state stays ahead of the competitive curve.”State Geologist and Director of the Missouri Geological Survey Carey Bridges said among the operations that will be conducted in the Rock Lab are reviewing and cataloging well cuttings from across Missouri, as well as hosting various geologic investigations.“The new equipment in our renovated Rock Lab includes new workstations, wash basins, lighting and climate control,” Bridges said. “There is also better integration of computer and internet technology, allowing for use of the latest programs and digital tools. This will allow our geologists to focus more on the science that underlies the fundamentals of geology. The lab’s expanded size will also create more shared workspace for geologists in different units. The sharing of knowledge from our most senior geologists focusing on geologic investigations with those working in the field will help foster new insights.”In addition to opening the Rock Lab, Bridges shared that the Missouri Geological Survey’s McCracken Core Library will be relocating from its current Twitty Drive location in Rolla to a newly constructed facility on Fairgrounds Road. In partnership with Missouri University of Science and Technology, the new core library will also be hosting significant critical minerals research.  “MGS and Missouri S&T are helping lead the search into whether Missouri contains economically viable deposits of critical minerals that include rare earth elements,” Bridges said. “Together, we’re working through the Critical Minerals and Materials for Advanced Energy Tech Hub. Within the new core library, that work will have a place on which to build itself up.”   A new Itrax Core Scanner that contains an XRF device can collect elemental information as detailed as one-millimeter increments. Beyond just photographing samples, a radiography camera will also enable study of the interior of the library’s core samples. A magnetic susceptibility sensor will further collect magnetic data.“Rest assured, if there is evidence of critical minerals or rare earth elements, our geologists will find it,” Bridges said. “Put together, the relatively small investments we’re making here in Rolla could bring about a discovery that possibly makes headlines and creates thousands of new jobs for Missourians. The journey to that potential future is starting right now as we cut this ribbon.”Other plans for the Rolla campus include constructing a new entrance for the Buehler Building and renovating its Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology.The site of the new MGS Core Library will be where the current Phelps County Road & Bridge Department is situated at 204 Fairground Road. This is immediately adjacent to the MGS campus in Rolla. Phelps County has already secured property to relocate its road and bridge department operations to Phelps County Road 3080 between Rolla and St. James. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/wesley-fitzgibbons-selected-november-2024-missouri-department-natural-resources-team-member-month 270271 at https://dnr.mo.gov Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:28:27 +0000 Wesley Fitzgibbons selected as November 2024 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month Karen Kremer Thu, 11/21/2024 - 16:28 Release Date Friday, November 22, 2024   JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 22, 2024 - Wesley Fitzgibbons, an engineer with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for November 2024. They were selected for their service to the department and their efforts while assisting with the Division of Energy’s portion of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant application.Recently, the department applied to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for over $428 million in funds for a variety of projects that would reduce emissions by over 26 million tons through 2050. The application process was led by the department’s Air Pollution Control Program, with Fitzgibbons contributing to the energy-related section of the document.Contributions to the application from Fitzgibbons include funding opportunities for Missouri State Parks, the Office of Administration’s Facilities, Maintenance, Design and Construction, and Missouri farmers.In addition to the CPRG grant, they pursued opportunities for further funding by joining the department to the Resilient Local Energy Coalition which allows states to apply for funding in partnership, expanding the impact of projects beyond what is possible on a state-level. Missouri joins 14 other states seeking additional CPRG funding through the coalition, to be used for funding new programs, bolstering existing programs and for enhancing grid resilience for local governments.“Wes was instrumental in the timely completion of this application,” said Nora Maxwell, of the department’s Division of Energy. “They always look for opportunities to grow Missouri’s energy efficiency efforts, whether through grant funding, infrastructure or energy security.”Fitzgibbons joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in November 2018 and resides in Jefferson City. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov https://ded.mo.gov/press-room/eaglepicher-technologies-expand-joplin-investing-209-million-and-creating-100-new-jobs 5221 at https://ded.mo.gov Thu, 21 Nov 2024 11:22:47 +0000 EaglePicher Technologies to expand in Joplin, investing $20.9 million and creating 100 new jobs Taylor Lewis Thu, 11/21/2024 - 11:22 November 21, 2024 Joplin EaglePicher Technologies, a leader in defense and aerospace manufacturing, announced today that it will expand in Joplin, investing $20.9 million and creating 100 new jobs. The company broke ground today on a new energetics facility and administration building at its existing Joplin headquarters location.“Major expansions from industry leaders like EaglePicher Technologies continue to prove Missouri’s status as a top business destination,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This company’s decision to build state-of-the-art facilities in Joplin further demonstrates our ability to support employers through superior infrastructure and a skilled workforce. We’re pleased to see EaglePicher Technologies strengthening our defense and aviation sectors with such a significant investment.”EaglePicher Technologies’ new manufacturing facility will feature state-of-the-art advancements in manufacturing technology with semi-automatic capabilities. Advanced software for data retrieval and tracking will be housed at the facility. The U.S. owned company is known for its battery technology, energetic devices, and battery management systems. EaglePicher Technologies experienced an influx in battery production after launching a battery into space aboard NASA’s Explorer 1 satellite in 1958.“This investment will position EaglePicher’s energetics business for significant growth, while strengthening our ability to respond to current demands in a premier defense and aerospace manufacturing facility,” said Matt Housh, General Manager of EaglePicher’s Energetics Business Unit.EaglePicher Technologies, headquartered in Joplin, has more than 700 total employees with 600 employed at its Joplin location. New jobs added as part of EaglePicher Technologies’ expansion will pay an average wage well above the county average.“Today’s announcement from EaglePicher Technologies is an exciting example of putting our mission of helping Missourians prosper into action,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This innovative company’s ongoing commitment to southwest Missouri is providing new investment, creating quality jobs, and supporting industries vital to a secure and prosperous future.”For this expansion, EaglePicher Technologies will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company may receive assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.What others are saying“This is truly a landmark development for the City of Joplin,” said Travis Stephens, President and CEO of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. “The wage levels and number of jobs that will follow are significant and the appreciation of the leadership of Steve Westfall and the Tuthill family, and their vision for EaglePicher, cannot be understated. We are grateful for their confidence in the workforce and the supportive community to locate this unique facility in Joplin.”“EaglePicher Technologies continues to demonstrate its commitment to the MOKAN region with this significant investment in our community,” said Amy Kauffman, Workforce and Business Expansion Director of the MOKAN Partnership. “The company’s expansion not only strengthens our local economy but also brings high-quality, well-paying jobs to our residents. We are proud to have EaglePicher as a valued partner in advancing our region's growth and innovation, and we look forward to its continued success here.”About EaglePicher TechnologiesEaglePicher Technologies is a leading producer of batteries, power-supply products, and energetic devices. For more than 100 years, it has served the mission-critical space, defense, and aviation markets. The company’s products are a key component of the U.S. Defense, Aerospace, and Maritime programs.To learn more about EaglePicher Technologies, visit eaglepicher.com.About the Missouri Department of Economic DevelopmentThe Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.About the Missouri Works ProgramAs the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.About Missouri One StartMissouri One Start is the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division. It helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive by providing customized recruitment assistance, along with resources to train and upskill new and existing employees. Its recruitment strategies and training programs are tailored to the specific workforce needs of the businesses it serves. http://health.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/2964c307-6701-4317-929b-3c501c61e892 http://health.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/2964c307-6701-4317-929b-3c501c61e892 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:00:00 +0000 It’s not too late to vaccinate https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/modnr-awards-50000-grants-liberty-hills-st-mary-sewer-districts 270161 at https://dnr.mo.gov Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:42:59 +0000 MoDNR awards $50,000 grants to Liberty Hills and St. Mary sewer districts Karen Kremer Tue, 11/19/2024 - 17:42 Release Date Friday, November 22, 2024 Communities will evaluate wastewater system improvementsJEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 22, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of St. Mary in Ste. Genevieve County and to the Liberty Hills Reorganized Common Sewer District in Liberty to evaluate their respective wastewater system.The grant offers funding to qualified communities to help cover engineering costs of evaluating potential wastewater system improvements. Both communities will use their grant to identify improvements needed to continue reliable service to their service areas and to meet permit requirements. The Liberty Hills plan should be complete in March 2026, while St. Mary’s plan should be complete in April 2026.“This grant helps qualified communities of all sizes pay for wastewater treatment system improvements that they might not have been able to undertake otherwise,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We are here to help Missouri communities plan and fund infrastructure improvements that will help protect public and environmental health, and help improve the quality of life for Missourians.”The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf. Contact Information Communications Office Address Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, MO 65102 United States Main 573-751-1010 Toll-free 800-361-4827 Email communications@dnr.mo.gov