From the Desk of David Shoush
I was recently searching in our past meeting
minutes for some information to develop a list of the past Chairman
of the Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission (NEMORPC). During
my search through the 31 years of minutes, it became apparent to me
that the topics of discussion and reports from the staff through those
years were some of
the same issues we face today. To name a few; Housing, water and sewer
systems, roads and bridges, Industrial Development and the development
of jobs. The only thing that is constant in the world today is change.
Or is it?
For many years, we have talked to and with communities that they must
maintain and replace their basic infrastructure (water, sewer, streets
and Housing). The same topic as the past but the method has changed.
Today the funding agencies are seeking more and demanding information
as to the following questions: What are your rates and the last rate
increase? How much of your resources ( cash and in- kind) can be pledged
at this time? What is the bonding capacity and can you borrow additional
funds? What are additional future needs of the city or county; and how does
this project relate? No longer is "need" or "need a grant"
the only factor to be considered in seeking grant dollars.
Through the past and now to the future. Today the funding agencies are
primarily the same but the names and their missions have changed. There
are many new "Hot topics". But the region still shares, as local
units of government, not only a boundary line as such, but the active
spirit of cooperatively working together to solve problems and plan
the future development of "True Northeast Missouri".
The region experiences the same human, natural, and economic development
needs. The region as a unit promotes the public safety, general welfare,
and the economic prosperity for our citizens. Today the method, financial
arrangements, and complexity to solve the needs is challenging to say
the least.
The NEMORPC is also tying the process of planning to today's technology
by using the Internet and the information highway. We are in the process
of developing and expanding our web site for the advantage in the future
by allowing local member governments, state and federal funding agencies
to access locally generated community and regional information instantly.
The staff and Executive Committee of the Northeast Missouri Regional
Planning Commission's goal is to keep our "True Northeast Missouri"
region in the eye of the state and nation. We are giving our member
governments the tools and information they need to learn from the past
and to arrange their own futures. We work for you, the 39 member governments
we serve!! If you desire one of our office staff to visit one of your
council meetings to discuss a situation, concern, or other issues, please
give us a call. We will make every attempt to arrange your meeting into
our future schedules.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please
do not hesitate to contact our office at (660) 465-7281. Thank you
for allowing us to work for you and "True Northeast Missouri".
Very Truly Yours,
David B. Shoush
Executive Director
Northeast Missouri RPC/RDC
and Economic Development District
