On Tuesday, February 12, 2013, Mid-MO RPC hosted the latest bi-monthly meeting of the regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC). The committee is comprised of individuals working for Mid-MO RPC member governments, chambers of commerce, and businesses such as Ameren UE, electric cooperatives, and local banks. The committee’s function is to help identify economic development needs in the region and provide a forum for exchange of ideas regarding options and resources.

The meeting was highlighted by presentations from Warren Witt of Ameren and Dr. Jim Gann of the MU Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Witt discussed the need to reform Missouri’s antiquated electric rate structure. He explained that technology and manufacturing companies look for high quality electrical infrastructure when deciding where to locate their operations, and Missouri’s rate structure is preventing the type of investment in electrical infrastructure improvements that would bring these types of employers to the state. Witt also spoke to the potential impact small modular reactors (SMRs) could have on mid-Missouri job creation in the future.

Dr. Gann updated the committee on the redevelopment efforts underway at the former site of the Kemper Military School and College in Boonville. After the City of Boonville bought the site in 2003 many of the buildings on Kemper’s campus sat empty for nearly a decade. Recently, the facility has taken on new life when State Fair Community College began offering classes at the Kemper site in last August. The addition of State Fair to Boonville offers access to higher education that was otherwise unavailable to residents in the past. Proposals are also on the table to use other vacant campus buildings for purposes ranging from affordable student housing to a new home for the Boonslick Regional Library.

The committee was also updated on transportation projects funded through Enhancement and Safe Routes to School funds and the progress of Mid-MO RPC’s Continuity of Operation Planning (COOP) workshops.

Economic Development Advisory Committee meetings are open to all Mid-MO RPC members and interested parties. If you would like to attend the next EDAC meeting please send an email to davidbock@midmorpc.org for more information on location, date and time.