Recovery Act funds used to research new energy conservation techniques to radically reduce home heating and cooling costs.  “The Performance Films segment of Solutia Inc. was recently awarded a $356,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant, entitled ‘Recovery Act: Advanced Energy Efficient Building Technologies,’ from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).  The awarded funds have been earmarked for the continued research, development, and commercialization of high performance, energy efficient retrofit window film technology for commercial and residential buildings.  This technology involves new film coatings and techniques designed to improve energy efficiency in every climate zone, specifically films with low emissivity (low-e) properties, a measurement that indicates the ability of a window to minimize far-infrared heat transmissions—which produces significant improvement in a window’s insulating properties, potentially resulting in energy savings during both the winter and summer.” [Today’s Facility Management, 7/28/10]

 

Over 4,600 paid jobs and internships have been made available to young people across Missouri this summer due to Recovery Act funded grants.  “In an effort to provide work experience for young people, the Missouri Summer Jobs Program is offering more than 4,600 paid jobs and internships to 14- to 24-year-olds.  The program's goal is simple:  to help young people, specifically those in the low-income bracket, find jobs and give local businesses the opportunity to mentor these employees. If you're 17 years old and you're trying to get a job this summer, you may not have any experience or skills,’ Joe Hawkins, outreach journalist for the Central Region Workforce Investment Board, said. ‘With this program they can come to the career centers and people will walk them through this process. On top of that, they're going to help them find a job.’  Through the Central Missouri Community Action Center, there are 94 youth and young adults enrolled in the program with 20 employers.  Statewide there are more employers than there are employees in the program.  There are 1,149 employers working with the 1,121 total participants.   Participants receive payment for their work through an $18 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” [The Missourian, 7/18/10]

 

Free chickenpox vaccines are being made available through the Recovery Act to minors in Johnson County.  “The Johnson County Health Department is offering free varicella (chickenpox) vaccine from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at the Olathe clinic location, 11875 S. Sunset Drive.  The vaccine is free for children ages 1 to 18 years who need either a first or second dose.  It is available to all children regardless of income or insurance status.  Varicella, or chickenpox, is a disease that causes a fever and rash.  It is spread by coughing and sneezing, and by direct contact with a sick person’s skin or body fluids.  In certain groups, especially teenagers and adults, chickenpox is more dangerous and can cause skin infections, swelling of the brain, and pneumonia.  The vaccine is being offered free of charge through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).” [Kansas City Star, 7/22/10]

 

Missouri’s Recovery Act-Funded UrbanFORCE program will put over 2,000 young adults to work this summer.  “On Wednesday, young adults gathered with City and State officials at the Missouri Botanical Garden to do mock interview sessions to get them prepared for summer jobs.  This is a unique summer employment program that will provide valuable work experiences to hundreds of young adults ages 18-24… ‘This is an excellent program for the young adults of the City of St. Louis,’ said Mayor Slay.  ‘It is vitally important for our citizens to gain valuable on-the-job training.  A more educated workforce makes St. Louis more attractive for business development and relocation.  This program puts our citizens on the right track to success.’  Last summer, the statewide Next-Generation Jobs Team youth employment program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), was implemented by SLATE’s Youth Services Department as the City of St. Louis UrbanFORCE.  UrbanFORCE provided a life-changing work experience to over 2,045 young adults –a higher total than any other such program in the state of Missouri – and gathered regional and national accolades and received the Governor’s Excellence in Customer Service Award.  ‘Seeing young people begin careers is especially rewarding right now,’ said Julie Gibson, Director of Workforce Development, Missouri Dept of Economic Development.” [St. Louis-Globe Democrat, 6/30/10]

 

Kirksville City has been designated a Federal Recovery Act Zone, now eligible for special financing rates on public infrastructure investment. “The Kirksville City Council voted to designate Kirksville a recovery zone.  After months of discussing recovery zone bonds and placing the issue on the April ballot, the city will receive bonds to pay for storm water system improvements.  The Adair County Commissioners gave the city of Kirksville $2.274 million in bonds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act…. The recovery zone designation is meant to help stimulate your local economy through financial help.”[Heartland Connection, 6/21/10]

  

The City Of Oakgrove will receive Recovery Act funds to upgrade city lights, creating savings in energy expenditures and reducing carbon emissions by nearly 1,400 tons a year.  “A coalition of 26 Kansas City area cities were awarded a $4 million grant this month from the U.S. Department of Energy to research and implement energy efficient street lamps.  Oak Grove is one of the cities in the Smart Lights Coalition, which teamed up with the Mid-America Regional Council to solicit the grant.  The grant is a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The cities in the coalition are too small to have been under normal consideration for block grants, said Jody Ladd Craig, Public Affairs Director at MARC.  ‘Larger cities have their own allocations,’ Craig said.  ‘The Department of Energy decided to make available a pot of funds for cities that normally wouldn’t qualify.’  Oak Grove, according to its website, has approximately 6,500 residents… The grant will help the coalition cities implement cleaner and cheaper lighting technologies such as LED and others.  MARC predicts that the project will produce annual savings to cities of more than $130,000, 1.2 million kilowatt hours of power, and CO2 reductions of 1,379 tons.”[The Examiner, 6/23/10]

 

Recovery Act funds modernize heavy industrial facilities in the greater Kansas City area.  “The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering up to $11 million in funding under Energize Missouri Industries to improve the energy efficiency of industrial and commercial customers throughout Missouri. Jefferson City, Mo - infoZine - Through the Energize Missouri Industries initiative, the department has created the Industrial Energy Efficiency Program and the Best Price Efficiency Program. Under the Industrial Energy Efficiency Program, the department will award up to $8 million in grant funds to provide small and large businesses with the opportunity to realize measurable energy savings that will result in reduced energy costs and improved market competitiveness.”[InfoZine.com, 5/25/10]

 

Department of Natural Resources is offering energy modernization Recovery Act grants to homeowners.  “The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering $7.75 million in funding under Energize Missouri Homes to provide Missouri residents with an opportunity to reduce energy costs, while improving the overall energy efficiency and quality of their homes.  Through Energize Missouri Homes, the department has created the Homeowner Upgrades with Geothermal Program.  Under the Homeowner Upgrades with Geothermal Program, incentives will be available for owners of single-family homes to conduct energy audits, implement whole-house energy-saving measures and install geothermal systems.  The department will select municipal, cooperative or investor-owned utilities; not-for-profit organizations; quasi-government organizations; or local governments to operate these programs… Energize Missouri Homes is a Missouri initiative made possible by funds from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.”[Liberty Tribune, 6/4/10]

 

 A New Cement Plant, Needed By The Increased Demand For Cement Generated By The Recovery Act, Will Employ 250 Workers And Support Almost 5,000 New Direct And Indirect Jobs Across Missouri.  “Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today spoke at the inaugural celebration for the Holcim (US) cement plant in Ste. Genevieve, MO.  The new facility, which opens as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is increasing demand for cement across the country, employs 250 people, will produce four million metric tons annually&hell…. ‘The Recovery Act hasn’t just saved and created jobs in the construction industry, it’s also been a lifeline to truckers, producers of cement and steel, and workers up and down the supply chain,’ said Secretary LaHood.  ‘This new plant is further evidence that smart infrastructure investments are creating jobs right now, while building a foundation for future growth.’ The 250-worker Ste. Genevieve plant has an annual payroll of about $20 million, and during construction, the plant created more than 2,500 jobs in Missouri.  According to a study conducted by Southeast Missouri State University, the economic impact of the plant is projected to increase labor income in Missouri by $257 million, and to support almost 5,000 new direct and indirect jobs. [Media Newswire, 6/7/10]

 

The Federal Transit Administration is providing Recovery Act -funded resources to Saint Louis for a major overhaul of the city’s metro system.  “Business owners will soon be able to submit proposals for more than $50 million of capital project work to be completed by Metro over the next several years. The majority of the funding for these projects is being made available to Metro through the Federal Transit Administration from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 6/7/10]

  

Missouri Based Bio-fuel Company will receive a Recovery Act grant to build a new plant in St. Joseph.  “ICM has announced that they have received $25 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to aid in the construction and operation of its cellulosic ethanol pilot plant located in St. Joseph, Missouri.  The company is also contributing $6 million of its own funds required for the cost-share element of the DOE program.  The $31 million cooperative agreement is administered by the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  ‘We’re excited to have completed the award agreement with the DOE and look forward to commencing the first phase of pilot plant construction,’ said Dave Vander Griend, ICM President and CEO.  ‘ICM understands the importance of utilizing Recovery funds to help strengthen our nation’s energy independence, foster job creation across rural America, and produce cleaner, more sustainable fuel’… Vander Griend concluded, ‘DOE’s funding of this award will help our industry continue to displace imported petroleum with domestically produced fuels and help accelerate ethanol production targets that were mandated in the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).’”[Domestic Fuel Journal, 6/8/10]

 

Recovery Act funds repair roads in Granite City, employing 30 workers. “Federal stimulus money has been touted as a way to patch the economy.  And in Granite City, that patch is a real one in more ways than one.  Crews are resurfacing 2,514 feet of Maryville Road between Terminal and St. Clair avenues as part of a $292,513 project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  …. Congress passed the $787 billion funding measure in 2009 to prop up the economy and provide jobs.  Locally, the cash is paying for about a dozen projects, from new Madison County Transit biodiesel buses and a sewer line expansion at Tri-City Regional Port District to $1.4 million for additional Granite City Housing Authority housing units. …” [The Suburban Journal, 6/10/10]

 

Recovery Act funding for Central Missouri Community Action increased the organization’s budget by 25 percent, allowed it to hire 80 staff and 10 contractors.  “Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has provided Central Missouri Community Action with the resources it needs to provide services to families experiencing economic insecurity. … CMCA has used the funding to increase its budget by 25 percent in the past six months.  The annual operating budget for 2009/2010 is almost $20 million.  The federal money supports programs including weatherization, homelessness prevention and the rapid re-housing program, work force development and Head Start.  Over the past six to eight months, CMCA has hired about 80 staff members and 10 private contractors — people Preis said might not have been employed otherwise.  He also said with stimulus funding CMCA has served almost twice as many people with tax assistance, which helps families and puts more money back into the local economy.  Andrea Langton, who works for CMCA through its Callaway County Family Resource Center, said the federal money has allowed her to increase staff in her office, paving the way in providing people with basic dental services, the lack of which she said is a major catalyst for poverty and unemployment.”  [Columbia Daily Tribune, 5/3/10]

  

The Recovery Act will replace the copper roof of the Old Courthouse in St. Louis after a decade of waiting for funding to support the project.  “The Old Courthouse is getting a bright new copper roof.  The $3.9 million project is paid for through the stimulus act that Congress adopted last year.  The project will replace copper that was installed in 1941 with money from the Work Projects Administration, an earlier federal effort to deal with hard economic times.  The project does not include the Old Courthouse dome.  Workers on scaffolds are removing the old green-colored copper panels from the four wings of the building and installing new copper panels… Mares said the job had been on the National Park Service's wish list for at least a decade.  The old roof leaks.”  [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 4/28/10]

 

St. Louis Community College will offer job training in six areas of the health-information technology field with $817,194 in Recovery Act funds.  “St. Louis Community College will receive $817,194 in federal stimulus money to train 300 health-care workers over the next two years on how to roll out electronic medical records at hospitals and doctors’ offices.  The training, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is part of a nationwide effort to respond to a federal mandate requiring that all U.S. citizens have an electronic medical record by 2014.  The grant will allow STLCC to develop and deliver short-term training for six different roles in the health-information technology field.  The non-degree training programs will take no more than six months to complete and train workers in jobs such as clinician/practitioner consultant, implementation support specialist and technical/software support staff.”  [St. Louis Business Journal, 4/21/10]

 

Department of Education awarded Recovery Act funding to the state of Missouri to turn around its lowest performing schools.  “U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced Monday that Missouri will receive $54 million in federal financing to turn around its lowest-achieving schools, particularly 50 struggling schools in St. Louis and Kansas City.  The money is part of the $3.5 billion that will be made available to states during the spring from money set aside in the 2009 budget and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act… The application listed Kansas City’s Richardson Elementary, Central High, Northeast High, East High, Westport High and Kansas City Middle School of the Arts among the city’s persistently lowest-achieving schools.  When school districts apply to the state for the money in the spring, they must indicate their plans to reopen schools as charter schools, close schools or replace principals and half the teachers, federal education officials said.  Each school building is eligible to receive $50,000 to $2 million during three years.”  [Kansas City Business Journal, 4/13/10]

 

A Recovery Act grantwill help a Poplar Bluff School District junior high school remove asbestos, upgrade lighting, electrical, and air conditioning.  “Grant money recently awarded to Poplar Bluff School District will help fund junior high renovations scheduled to take place this summer.  Estimated to cost $2.3 million, the project is expected to open for bids this week.  It would include asbestos removal, as well as lighting, electrical and air conditioning upgrades.  The nearly $23,000 from the Energize Missouri Communities grant program will help pay for installation of occupancy sensors and replacement of lights.  This program is funded through the American Recovery Reinvestment Act and was designed to help improve energy efficiency in old buildings, said Associate Superintendent Clint Johnston.  ‘This will replace lights and in doing so offset some of the overall costs,’ Johnston said.  Occupancy sensors will turn lights off when no one is in a room. … Junior high work could also include replacement of ceilings, classroom window/wall replacement, gym bleachers, gym air-conditioning and gym ceiling/lighting.”  [Southeast Missourian, 4/5/10]

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used Recovery Act funds to upgrade recreational facilities at Smithville Lake.  “A shelter with picnic benches and grills, an outhouse and a new hiking trail should all be complete near Smithville Lake in May.  The improvements sit between the Jerry Litton Visitor Center and Smith’s Fork Park, near the lake dam.  And the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers improvements are all due to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, also known as the federal stimulus package… The shelter house is mostly done.  It will soon hold 10 picnic benches and a few grills… Vacca expects work on the shelter and outhouse to wrap up by May 1 — just in time for the upswing in lake visitors.  The stimulus package brought other improvements to Smithville Lake Corps of Engineers property.  A $400,000 chunk of stimulus funding went toward the shelter, outhouse, trail and other improvements, including improvements to doors, windows and sidewalks near the visitor center.  The Corps of Engineers used about 20 different vendors for the projects in an effort to spread the funding around, Vacca said.”  [Liberty Tribune, 3/31/10]

 

USDA’s Rural Development Program, and the Recovery Act, helped low-income buyers purchase homes with low-interest loans and financing.  “Newlyweds, Charles and Naomi Hess, Randolph County residents, were tired of renting and really wanted to own their own home. … They had heard about USDA Rural Development housing program through their parents and grandparents, who had applied or had a home loan with the agency in the past.  Encouraged by the possibility they contacted the Moberly USDA Rural Development office to see if they would be eligible for the housing purchase program.  They are now happy new home owners.   ‘We had good credit but just did not have the necessary down payment,’ said Charles.  ‘The USDA program was a good match.’  The Rural Development agency of U.S. Department of Agriculture has funds available to help low and very low income individuals or families with low-interest, no down payment, and 100% financing to obtain home ownership.  Additional funding for 2010 is available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for loans to be made through the direct loan program from the agency. … The direct rural housing loan program is an on-going program that has been around for years. The additional ARRA funds will allow more families or individuals the opportunity for homeownership.”  [Moberly Monitor-Index, 3/29/10]

  

The James House in St. Louis is one of many housing authorities undergoing renovations with the aid of Recovery Act funding.  “The James House on St. Ferdinand is getting a complete gut rehab from the Recovery Act funds. … St. Louis is one of several thousand housing authorities across the United States to meet a new deadline to capture precious stimulus funds for capital projects.  The Housing Authority is getting $18.5 million dollars from the latest pot of $3 billion dollars being doled out by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Besides the $9 million for the James House, the money will be spent on exterior renovations for Lasalle Park, on new roofs for three other developments, as well as window, heating and water system replacement at other units.”  [KMOX, 3/25/10]

 

Rock Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Independence will receive a Recovery Act grant to increase its capacity and cut residents’ energy costs.  “Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon… toured Independence’s Rock Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Monday afternoon and announced a $1 million grant aimed at enhancing the 32-year-old plant’s energy efficiency.  With new equipment, the project will replace an older mechanical process to aerate – or expose to the air – the water.  The new automated system that will adjust itself to minimal electrical use, cutting energy costs for taxpayers, Nixon said… ‘This shows that energy-efficient measures can make a real difference for taxpayers by stretching every penny further and running the government more like people run their own households‘… The project will create about three full-time jobs, according to the state.   The Missouri Department of Natural Resources administered the Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant program, including the $1 million that Independence received.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, more commonly known as the stimulus package, funded the block grant program… The upgrade also will increase the plant’s capacity, putting off the need for a costly wastewater treatment expansion during tough economic times.”[The Examiner, 3/22/10]

 

$16.3 million in Recovery Act bonds allow Kansas City School District to upgrade classrooms with 21^st century technology.  “The Kansas City School District is authorized to issue nearly $16.3 million in special school construction bonds as part of the federal economic stimulus package.  Not to build new schools… but to upgrade the remaining ones ‘and provide students with the 21st century learning environments they deserve,’ Superintendent John Covington said in a statement… The money can be used for such things as reconfiguring classrooms and upgrading them to modern standards, according to U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s office.  ‘At a time when the Kansas City School District is consolidating half its schools, this allocation will allow for much-needed building and classroom improvements necessary to accommodate shifting thousands of students,’ Cleaver said in announcing the bond authority… The allocation is part of $11 billion in special school construction bonds for 2010 included in the Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The intent is to create jobs as well as improve education to prepare students to compete in the global economy, according to the Treasury and Education departments.” [Kansas City Star, 3/18/10]

 

Local SBA loans increased 300 percent in the Springfield area thanks to Recovery Act funding.  “Lenders in the U.S. Small Business Administration Springfield branch office's 28-county territory submitted and received SBA guarantees on 56 loans for $21 million in February 2010.  The numbers of loans and dollar amounts represent an increase of 300 percent over February 2009, and rank the Springfield SBA office first out of seven offices in SBA Region VII – Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kan– in number of loans and by dollar amount.  ‘The increase in loans is proof of the commitment of the lenders in southwest Missouri in an effort to assist their small business customers through this difficult economic recovery period,’ said Walter Cowart, Springfield branch manager.  The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act has been instrumental in increasing loan numbers over the last year, Cowart said.  The ARRA provisions for small business loans were extended for 30 days last week by Congress and the president.” [The News-Leader, 3/12/10]

 

Washington University will expand its genetics data center with the aid of $14.3 million in Recovery Act funding.  “Federal stimulus funds will pay for an expansion of the genetics data center at Washington University School of Medicine, school officials announced Tuesday.  The medical school received a $14.3 million construction grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to add on to the existing center and double its size to 32,000 square feet.  The expansion, which will start in the fall and could be ready in a year, will allow researchers to sequence and analyze human genomes at a much faster pace.  New computers and processors will be added to the data center using other grants and university funds.  ‘The idea is to try to get at the roots of cancer and other human diseases such as diabetes,’ said Rick Wilson, director of the school's Genome Center.  ‘(The stimulus grant) will help us be more efficient and effective.’  About 350 jobs will be created by the construction and expansion, school officials said… In the last two years, Washington University researchers have decoded the genes of about 50 adult patients with leukemia, brain, breast, lung and ovarian cancers.” [St. Louis Today, 3/9/10]

 

Cherokee County Commission will purchase foreclosed homes from a local bank then repair and refurbish them with a $180,000 Recovery Act grant.  “A grant through the federal stimulus program will allow the Cherokee County Commission to buy three foreclosed houses from a county bank.  Nancy Lamb, deputy emergency management director for the county, provided information Monday about that grant and other grants on which she has been working.  Lamb said the $180,000 grant is through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development… The grant will allow the county to buy three foreclosed houses, one in Columbus and two in Galena, thereby helping a county bank.  The houses are owned by American Bank, based in Baxter Springs.  Lamb said the county commissioners thought it was important that a local bank benefit from the grant… Lamb said the grant includes money to repair and refurbish the houses.  After that, the commission may decide to sell the houses or donate them to a nonprofit group.” [The Joplin Globe, 3/9/10]

 

Schools in Southeast Missouri used their Recovery Act funding to create new special education and afterschool programs.  “When school districts passed their budgets in June, they started allocating stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The federal funds funneled into local schools through the state in two ways -- special education funding and Title 1 funds, which help low-income and at-risk students.  Districts, including Jackson and Cape Girardeau, have two years to spend the money under guidelines for both categories.  The Jackson School District used part of its stimulus money to launch the reading intervention program. … It uses repetition and advancement through a structured list of books, which build on skills.  The structure and repetition can be cumbersome for volunteers, but the system works, Sander said… The district already has reading teachers to help students who are falling behind in reading, but the new program gives more support to more students, Fisher …The Cape Girardeau School District used part of its funding to expand services to its growing autistic population.” [Southeast Missourian, 3/7/10]

 

Recovery Act funding will subsidize two sewer improvement projects in Boone County, lessening the burden on the county’s residents. “Federal economic stimulus money is coming Boone County’s way to help subsidize a portion of costs for two Neighborhood Improvement District sewer projects.  The Boone County Commission yesterday announced $360,000 is being made available to the Boone County Regional Sewer District through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The money will be almost evenly split between grants and low-interest loans through the state’s revolving loan fund for wastewater improvements.  Sewer NIDs have been approved for the Brown Station and Country Squire subdivisions. Infrastructure improvements made through NIDs are financed by the county through bonding and paid back by property owners by special assessments on their annual property tax bills… The contractors will install and extend sanitary sewers in the subdivisions, eliminate private collection systems such as lagoons and septic tanks, and connect the subdivision to the local sewer district.  Work on the projects could begin this spring.” [Columbia Daily Tribune, 2/24/10]

 

Ray County likely to receive funding from the Recovery Act to fund health care job training programs.  “The details look uncertain, but Ray County could soon share a federal grant supporting professional health care and health care information training.  Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II shared the stage with Full Employment Council president and CEO Clyde McQueen on Feb. 12 to announce a $4.99-million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant.  In total, the Full Employment Council Award combined with grants to organizations in St. Louis and Neosho to total $13.2 million in stimulus money… The FEC leads a bi-state partnership called the Greater Kansas City Health care and Health care Information Technology program encompassing over 20 organizat… Through that partnership, the grant will provide education and training funding to assist three Kansas counties and a four-county Missouri area that includes Ray County.” [The Daily News, 2/24/10]

 

Kansas City receives Recovery Act grant to replace traffic signals and signs, fix miles of broken sidewalks, expand rapid transit lines.  “U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood handed the Kansas City area $50 million in federal stimulus money for transportation projects in the urban core as well as the Kansas-side suburbs... About $27 million will go to U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver's ‘green zone,’ a 150-block area in Kansas City's urban core that has been marked by high levels of violence and poverty.  Another $23 million will go toward expanding bus rapid transit lines across the metro area, including one planned for Metcalf Avenue and Shawnee Mission Parkway in Johnson County and another for State Avenue in Kansas City, Kan.  Of the transit money, about $21 million will go to the Kansas side routes and the balance will go for routes on North Oak, U.S. 40 and the U.S. 24/40 corridor.  The money for transit will be for things like bus stops, pedestrian crossings and technology that will give express buses priority at traffic signals… The money for the green zone would go for fixing 10 miles of broken sidewalks and curbs.  It also would fund synchronized traffic signals and replace old signals with modern ones that can be adjusted more easily to improve traffic flow.  The money also would pay for paving 40.5 miles of streets, of which 12.6 miles are considered to be substandard.” [Kansas City Star, 2/18/10]

 

Officials broke ground on upgrades to wastewater treatment plant in Springfield made possible by Recovery Act.  “[C]ity officials have broken ground on a new disinfection system at the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant.  The new ozone disinfection system replaces a similar system that’s been in place since 1983.  The old equipment will be up and running at the plant until the new system is completed in about 2 years… The project is utilizing 3 million dollars in grant funding and a $13 million low-interest loan thru ARRA.  According to Ed Malter, the Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant is the only such facility in Missouri that uses ozone for disinfection, and there’s only a handful of ozone disinfection systems in the country.” [KSMU, 2/18/10]

 

Recovery Act funds allow Vicksburg, Warren County to purchase calculators for students, pave streets, buy police new equipment.  “A year ago, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act made ‘stimulus’ a household word — and Vicksburg and Warren County officials plan to keep cashing in…. Public schools got money to buy 650 graphing calculators for $95.64 each.  Vicksburg has also purchased 940 barricade segments with $67,680 in Justice Assistance Grant money… The balance of the city’s $265,607 in stimulus-derived JAG funds will go to a generator for the Vicksburg Police Department mobile command center, plus some radio equipment and laptop computers for the department, said Marcia Weaver, grant preparer in the city’s planning department.  She said some money might also go to storage facilities, perhaps trailers, to hold the barricades.  Money to pay salaries and benefits to four new officers for three years also has arrived, Police Chief Walter Armstrong said.  The total award is $508,364, with the city to take over once that grant expires.  In-car computer systems and an extra patrol unit will head the sheriff’s department’s way as part of the county law enforcement arm’s share of JAG money.  Paving projects on Wisconsin Avenue and Clay Street should start in March, funded by $947,635 from the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s cut of highway money from the stimulus.” [The Vicksburg Post, 2/15/10]

 

Recovery Act funds aid research into effective treatments for the common flu.  “This lab at Washington University School of Medicine is being funded with nearly $2.5 million dollars in Recovery Act money.  Michael Holtzman, Professor of Medicine and Cell Biology, says his team will take a different approach to fighting influenza, ‘When you develop drugs like Tamiflu that target the virus, the virus will usually be able to figure that out at some point and get around it.  Which brings to mind our strategy, which is not aimed at the virus but actually at improving our own defense against the virus.’  Holtzman will also be looking at why some people develop chronic diseases as a result of the flu.  Because the project is tied to stimulus money, Holtzman knows he'll have to present solid results. But he also expects to make a case for continued funding knowing he won't have all the research wrapped up in less than two years…The project to discover a drug to help the body battle influenza has kept some prime talent in the region.” [KMOX, 2/2/10]

 

Recovery Act money awarded to Washington University for research in the field of renewable energy at the Danforth Plant Science Center.  “The results of the stimulus bill are still being felt at Washington University and the surrounding region. Renewable fuel research in St. Louis got a big boost in mid-January when it was announced that the area would receive millions of dollars in stimulus money.  The aim of the funding is to help create jobs and a domestic biofuel industry.  The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is the main institution receiving funding. Funding will be divided among several universities, research institutions and companies, said Karla Goldstein, vice president of public and government affairs of the center…Goldstein said that the additional resources coming to the center permit the addition of new dimensions to its research. Projects funded by the grant will seek to make further strides toward renewable energy.” [Student Life, 2/1/10]

 

The Recovery Act bill will fund 8 projects which will upgrade passenger rail service and bring a high-speed rail connection with Chicago.  “The White House today will announce the awarding of $1.1 billion in stimulus money for a high-speed rail corridor providing three round trips daily between St. Louis and Chicago at 110 miles per hour along most of the route.  In addition, Missouri will receive $31 million for eight projects intended to upgrade passenger rail service between St. Louis and Kansas City.  The announcement will be made in St. Louis this afternoon by Ed Montgomery, White House executive director for auto communities and workers. He is to be accompanied by Gov. Jay Nixon, Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis, and other political and transportation leaders…The $31 million Missouri award is designed to prevent delays that are interrupting service in the St. Louis-to-Kansas City corridor. As it stands, passenger trains often must give way to freight trains along the route, leading to uncertainties in rail travel between Missouri's major cities.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 1/28/10]

 

Recovery Act funding used to weatherize homes will benefit over 21,000 low-income families and create 220 jobs.  “The state of Missouri is administering $128 million in Recovery Act funding for energy efficiency improvements to the homes of low-income families. OACAC [Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation] weatherization director Todd Steinmann joined DNR staff at the event and provided a tour of the Vasquez home for a look at energy-saving improvements being made, which includes sealing air leaks and installing insulation to the attic, floors, pipes and water heater.  Energy efficiency improvements to the home should help the family save more than $200 on annual utility costs, the news release said.  DNR estimates more than 21,000 low-income Missouri families will benefit from the Recovery Act funding as their homes are weatherized over the next three years by OACAC and 17 other agencies across Missouri.  The agencies estimate the Energize Missouri Homes low-income weatherization assistance projects will result in about 220 additional Missouri jobs.”[Springfield News-Leader, 1/23/10]

 

The Ozark Police Department was able to hire a crimes against women investigator thanks to Recovery Act money. “From 2005 to 2008, domestic violence cases rose from 118 calls to 242; that's an increase of 205 percent over four years.  Thanks to new funding, the department can put a detective on these crimes fulltime.  ‘I was pretty excited,’ said Detective Sean Vorse, the new crimes against women investigator.  ‘With my job, I do the follow-ups after the report. I keep in touch with the victims and I'm there every step; if they want me to go to court with them, I will,’ he said.  ‘It's very helpful,’ Christian County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Cleek said, ‘I'm grateful we're getting more people to help with domestic violence.’  Cleek's speaking as both a prosecutor and a board member for Freedom's Rest, the violence shelter in Christian County. Cleek says the most difficult case to try is a domestic abuse case.  ‘A lot of times, the victim cannot get away from the suspect,’ Cleek said. But, with the remodeled shelter, and Detective Vorse's new position, Cleek and others are optimistic about the future as domestic violence numbers recently jumped… The new, full-time position is thanks to stimulus money and a grant from the Violence Against Women Act.  There's enough money to pay for the position for 16 months.” [KY3 News, 1/21/10]

 

The Missouri Division of Workforce Development is set to receive Recovery Act funds for green jobs training.  “The Show-Me State is receiving a federal stimulus grant to prepare workers for the green economy. Missouri Division of Workforce Development is receiving $6 million through the U.S. Department of Labor's State Energy Sector Partnership and Training grant program, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill's office said Wednesday. The grant, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, pays for education and training for low-income, low-skilled workers to move into green industries including energy-efficient building and construction and energy-efficiency assessment. Missouri will use the money to target military veterans, unemployed workers and workers in other struggling industries.” [Springfield Business Journal, 1/22/10]

 

Missouri nonprofits will use Recovery Act funds for green jobs training programs.  “Two Missouri nonprofits were awarded a total of more than $5.6 million in grants for job training programs in St. Louis, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis announced Wednesday.  The local awards are part of 38 grants totaling $150 million in stimulus funding to support training for ‘green’ jobs for disadvantaged populations. The grants are funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Better Family Life Inc., a St. Louis-based nonprofit promoting stability and self-sufficiency, was awarded a grant of $3.3 million to partner to provide career training in weatherization, biofuels and other green industries for disadvantaged individuals.  Springfield, Mo.-based Alternative Opportunities Inc., a not-for-profit that provides services to allow people to live and work in their community, received a grant of $2.3 million to partner with several groups to provide training and placement services in ‘green’ industries to targeted St. Louis populations.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 1/14/10]

 

Recovery Act grant will fund research on transforming algae into biofuel.  “The administration of President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that a consortium led by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis is the winner of a $44 million Recovery Act award for research into converting algae into biofuels.  The Energy Department grant to the Danforth Center-led effort is among the largest awards or tax credits to be received in the bi-state region under the $787 billion stimulus package approved by Congress last year.  The White House said in a release that the project, called the National Alliance for Advanced Biofules and Bioproducts, would aim toward production of biofuels made from algae.” [St. Louis Today, 1/14/10]

 

St. Louis region will use Recovery Act grants for development of biofuels and training of 900 unemployed workers.  “The St. Louis region has been awarded almost $50 million in Recovery Act Grants to advance the development of biofuels from green algae and to train 900 unemployed workers to compete in the 21st Century Green economy… ‘Today, I am so pleased to announce almost $50 million in Recovery Act funds for the St. Louis region.  This is terrific news that will support job growth and worker retraining,’ said Congressman William Lacy Clay.  “I want to congratulate the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Better Family Life and Alternative Solutions.  Their good work will lift up the unemployed in our most impoverished neighborhoods and it will establish the St. Louis region as a leading center for the development of renewable fuels and other green energy technologies.  This shows the power of what life sciences and 21st Century green development can mean for our region’s economy and our nation’s energy independence.”[The St. Louis American, 1/13/10]

 

Kansas City has completed 39 Recovery Act-funded transportation projects ahead of schedule, many came in under budget, freeing funds for additional projects.  “Last March, the Kansas City region was one of the first areas in the country to allocate funding from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — identifying 39 transportation projects to receive its $51 million share of Highway Infrastructure Investment stimulus funds…  At this time, all surface transportation, transit and enhancements projects have been obligated or soon will be, positioning the region well ahead of the March 2010 federal deadline.  The tough economy has caused many project bids for construction or implementation to come in below budget.  The Kansas City region plans to use the surplus money to get some projects done faster or more fully fund others, rather than risk losing federal funds… The bulk of stimulus funds will flow during the spring and summer construction season.  Preliminary estimates suggest that approximately 450 jobs will be created or retained as a result of funding spent for these projects.” [Kansas City Info-Zine, 1/12/10]

 

The Ozark Police Department received a Recovery Act grant to fund the salary of a domestic violence investigator.  “The Ozark Police Department has received a grant to fund the salary of a domestic violence investigator.  The $66,787 grant will pay the officer's salary for 16 months, from Jan. 1 through April 2011, said Community Resource Officer Becky Turpin. Cpl. Sean Vorse has been moved into the new position.  Another officer will be hired to fill the vacant position on the police force… Vorse said he will work to connect with the Christian County Domestic Violence Shelter, where he will also serve as a member of the Board of Direc… His involvement at the beginning of a case will depend a lot on the severity of what has happened.  He'll respond to the scene in some cases but will routinely be involved in the days and months that follow.  Vorse will work with victims through the entire procedure, Turpin explained. He will go to court with them and prepare them about what to expect – the types of questions that will be asked and what will likely happen at each step.  In his role, he will advise them on laws concerning domestic violence and determine if shelter is needed – which can be a valuable resource for the victim.” [Springfield News-Leader, 1/12/10]

 

Recovery Act grant supports three local organizations to expand their homeless prevention and rapid re-housing programs, hiring staff. “When people become homeless, it's not only shelter that they lose.  They also lose contact with the community, said Deborah Beste, executive director of Phoenix Programs.  Without a permanent address, the homeless have no place to receive mail, no place to get messages and no place for a possible employer to contact them. Phoenix Programs is one of the three organizations that the Columbia-Boone County Department of Health's Division of Human Services teamed up with to run its new Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program.  Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the two-year $405,358 grant offers financial support and case-management services to prevent people from becoming homeless and to re-house those who already are homeless.  Lutheran Family and Children’s Services and Central Missouri Community Action are the other two organizations the Division of Human Services chose to work with to deliver the services.   Central Missouri Community Action will begin distributing the program’s rental and utility assistance on Jan. 1, 2010.  In addition to securing housing, the program furthers one of the stimulus act’s overarching goals, creating jobs.  The program partially finances two new full-time positions, one at Lutheran Family and Children’s Services and the other at Phoenix Programs... The homeless or near-homeless with mental illness or substance abuse problems are not the only groups the program will help.  Beste said Phoenix Programs expects to work with at least 50 families during the program’s first year.” [Columbia Missourian, 12/17/09]

 

Recovery Act funds will finance the construction of a warehouse and annex to house administrative space, a conference room, and training area for the sheriff’s department.  “Federal economic stimulus money will come to Boone County to offset a portion of interest on bonds issued for the construction of a warehouse and annex for the Boone County Sheriff’s Department’s campus.  The Boone County Commission last week authorized county Treasurer Kay Murray to issue as much as $840,000 in ‘recovery zone’ facility bonds to help fund the $1.1 million, 15,000-square-foot building project.  The ‘recovery zone’ designation was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and will make the county eligible for a 45 percent rebate for interest paid on the bonds.... The bonds will be paid back primarily from funds now used to lease downtown storage space and from the sheriff department’s service process fund.  County officials said the new annex and warehouse can be paid for in 10 years and is the best alternative to continuing the downtown lease, which was going to increase in cost from $60,000 to $75,000 annually.  The warehouse and annex will house administrative space, a conference room and training area for the sheriff’s department.  It also will provide storage space for the county clerk’s voting equipment.” [Columbia Tribune, 12/15/09]

 

Recovery Act grant will provide a boost to 131 law enforcement agencies in Missouri, including state agencies, police departments, sheriffs’ offices and university police forces.  “Missouri law enforcement officials have won more than $1 million in federal stimulus grants to buy new equipment.  The money will be divided among 131 agencies, including state agencies, police departments, sheriffs’ offices and university police forces.  Some of the money will be used to buy seven vehicles, 58 in-car cameras, 238 lights and 66 sirens.  The federal funds also will pay for 200 flashlights, 153 ballistic vests, 459 sets of reflective vests and cut-resistant gloves, raincoats and parkas.  The money will also be used for other miscellaneous items such as handcuffs, trauma kits and radios.” [Columbia Daily Tribune, 12/2/09]

 

YouthBuild Louisville, a nonprofit organization that provides job training to at-risk youth, will use Recovery Act funding for vocational instruction programs and training in energy-efficient building techniques.  “YouthBuild Louisville, a nonprofit organization that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk people ages 16 to 24, has received $100,000 in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The grant, requested by U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Ky., will be used to fund vocational instruction programs and training in energy-efficient building techniques and conservation projects, according to a news release... ‘During difficult times, we need to focus more than ever on creating employment opportunities,’ Yarmuth said in a news release.  ‘This Recovery Act funding invests directly in preparing Louisville young people for jobs in fields that will be thriving for decades to come.’ This is the second stimulus award YouthBuild has received.  In July, the organization received nearly $700,000 to support its vocational programming.” [Business First of Louisville, 11/24/09]

 

Recovery Act money will fund a new orientation center at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton.  “A new $3-million orientation center is part of a package of improvements at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton being funded by federal economic stimulus money.  Alan Dooley, a spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers, said the orientation facility will feature a two-story-high observation area with views of the Corps-run sanctuary and the Mississippi River… In all, the sanctuary is getting about $4.4 million in stimulus money, with the rest going to improve trails, rehab a parking lot, replace a picnic shelter and other items.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 11/23/09]

 

Missouri will use Recovery Act funds to fund green job training and labor market information programs to help workers find jobs.  “The Missouri Department of Economic Development will receive $1,227,192 in federal stimulus funds as part of $55 million in green jobs grants, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis said Wednesday… The grant to Missouri is part of $48.8 million in State Labor Market Information Improvement Grants for the collection and dissemination of labor market information, enabling job seekers to connect with green job b… The project aims to boost information going to the most disadvantaged job seekers and seeks to inform training providers of the skills job seekers need for careers in green industries.  The state project plans to produce a green industry demand survey and report, green occupation projections, training provider survey and report, green pathways competency model, rapid response career guidance publications, and an enhanced career exploration tool.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 11/19/09]

 

Recovery Act will help fund improvements to Kansas City North’s sewer lines, some of which are 100 years old.  “Liberty is getting $1.47 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to make improvements to some of the city’s worst sewer lines.  Gov. Jay Nixon last week announced at a construction site in Kansas City North a $266 million wastewater and drinking water improvement package, which included $146 million in federal stimulus funds and $120 million in low-interest loans from the state…’ Wastewater and drinking water projects are critical to maintaining our public infrastructure, but are also vital to getting construction workers and skilled tradesmen back to work right away,’ Nixon said… Hess said the city planned to replace or insert plastic liners into old clay pipes, especially in older neighborhoods.  He said some of the clay pipes in the downtown area were more than 100 years old… Without the stimulus money, Hess said the city would not have been able to finance the sewer improvements, considered among the most costly infrastructure challenges facing the city.  A mayoral task force reported recently that the city had an estimate $170 million in infrastructure needs.” [Liberty Tribune, 11/19/09]

 

In St. Louis, the Recovery Act has funded new studies for ways to relieve chronic pain.  “The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy and the Saint Louis University Department of Pharmacology and Physiology have won $974,024 in stimulus money to study new ways to relieve chronic pain.  William Neumann, an assistant professor of medicinal chemistry in the SIUE School of Pharmacy, and Daniela Salvemini, an associate professor of pharmacological and physiological science at the SLU School of Medicine, are the project’s principal researchers who will be studying how peroxynitrite, which is produced in the body in inflammatory settings, can actually cause chronic pain when the body produces too much of the chemical. ” [St. Louis Business Journal, 11/2/09]

 

Missouri’s largest wind energy development, funded by the Recovery Act, is expected to create 2.500 new jobs and generate enough electricity to power more than 50,000 homes.  “Wind Capital Group, led by President Tom Carnahan, said Monday it has closed on financing for Missouri’s largest wind energy development…Wind Capital also said it is receiving a $90 million grant for the project through the federal stimulus package. The project, which is expected to cost more than $300 million and create more than 2,500 jobs, is believed to be the largest investment by the private sector in the state of Missouri this year, Wind Capital said. Construction on Lost Creek began in July and is expected to be completed in late spring of 2010. When finished, the development will generate enough electricity to power more than 50,000 homes.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 10/26/09]

 

$71.7 million in  Recovery Act funded guaranteed loans will help rural businesses and strengthen rural communities throughout America.  “Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $71.7 million in loan guarantees to assist 20 rural businesses in funding made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The funding announced today is being made available through USDA Rural Development's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.    ‘The Recovery Act funds announced today will help businesses get access to the capital they need to launch and expand their businesses and help bring additional jobs to America's small cities and towns,’ Vilsack said…   For example, in Georgetown, S.C., USDA Rural Development is guaranteeing a $3 million loan to enable a local gate and mounting-system company to restructure debt and purchase new machinery and equipment.  In Franklin County, Ohio, a farmer owned cooperative with local headquarters was selected to receive a $7.5 million loan guarantee.  The loan will help provide business services to more than 50,000 livestock farmers in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.  The Business and Industry loan will help the cooperative continue to maintain health insurance to its nearly 500 employees, many of whom live in counties with unemployment rates 125 percent greater than the national average and counties that have been affected recently by natural disasters.” [USDA.gov, 10/21/09] 

 

Recovery Act funding saved or created more than 8,500 education jobs in Missouri.  “ In the metro area, the Hickman Mills School District in south Kansas City received about $6 million in federal stabilization money, which helped keep the district from cutting between 90 and 100 teaching jobs this school year.  ‘We don't really know what would have happened without stabilization dollars,’ said associate superintendent Mitch Nutterfield.  ‘I believe we've got to be thankful that we have got what we have.’  According to Missouri officials, federal stimulus money saved or created more than 8,500 education jobs across the state.  That number is higher than jobs created or saved in the construction industry, as a lot of money for highway projects hasn't been spent yet…  ‘Without (federal stimulus dollars), school districts would probably have to make some very difficult decisions,’ said economist Jeff Pinkerton of the Mid-America Regional Council.” [Fox 4KC, Video, 10/14/09]

 

Thanks to $9.3 million in Recovery Act funding, air travel to and from Kansas City will be safer.  “Kansas City Aviation Department will get $9.3M stimulus grant for security the Kansas City Aviation Department will get a $9.3 million stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for new and enhanced closed-circuit television systems. In a Thursday release, the Aviation Department said the money, provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will enhance surveillance capabilities throughout the airport. The money is part of $57.6 million in grants that Homeland Security announced for six airport security projects financed entirely by stimulus money. The Aviation Department previously received a $7 million stimulus grant for rehabilitation of two runways, taxiways and aprons.” [Kansas City Business Journal, 10/1/09]

 

1,200 Kansas City youth benefit from Recovery Act-funded summer job program.  The youth summer jobs program, which had been scaled down the past 10 years for lack of federal funding, was expanded this year with the stimulus funds.  Normally for 16- to 21-year olds, the program was widened to include adults up to 24 years o1d.  In recent years, most of the youths in the summer jobs program were placed at nonprofit agencies.  But the stimulus money allowed more private-sector employers to participate once again, according to McQueen.  The aim was to direct the youths toward jobs that they could make into a career with further education and training.  About 1,200 area youths and adults participated, working for $8 an hour for 32 hours a week over two months... For those successfully completing the job, the program also made available $1,000 scholarships for community colleges and vocational schools and $500 book scholarships for those attending a four-year college.” [Kansas City Star, 9/28/09]

 

Kansas City used Recovery Act funding to assist laid-off workers and economically disadvantaged adults; 575 will be trained for new careers.  “The stimulus money also funded two other programs at the Full Employment Council, one for economically disadvantaged adults seeking jobs and the other for laid-off workers affected by structural changes in the economy.  In addition to providing training assistance and job-placement services, the stimulus money allowed those receiving training to take on internships at their potential employer and work during an evaluation process... Those two programs combined to train about 575 people this summer for new careers.  Many of those are still going to classes or their internships at this point...” [Kansas City Star, 9/28/09]

 

Green job training programs in local colleges receive boost from Recovery Act funding, and create green jobs.  “Stimulus funds also allowed the council to work with schools to create training programs for green or environmentally friendly jobs.  McQueen said the agency has worked with the Workforce Central program at the University of Central Missouri, as well as Metropolitan Community College.  McQueen said most of the green-collar jobs are of an entry-level nature, such as “weatherization technicians” for home-improvement companies doing things like caulking, weather-stripping and installing installation for residences.  But other programs have offered training for some of the newer and more sophisticated green companies that are surfacing.   McQueen said the agency worked with Central Missouri to create a course on solar-panel installation, which were the type of employees Pave Guard Technologies was looking to hire.” [Kansas City Star, 9/28/09]

 

St. Louis will use $10 million in Recovery Act funds to build energy efficient housing.  “St. Louis will receive $10 million in federal stimulus money to create-energy efficient public housing.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding will go to the Arlington Grove project to reduce energy costs, generate resident and housing authority energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Missouri is one of 24 states to receive part of the $300 million in federal grant money for ‘green’ public housing projects.” [St Louis Business Journal, 9/21/09]

 

Recovery Act funds that go toward cleaning up  contaminated sites will also create jobs and accelerate the on-going process.  “In Missouri there are hundreds of underground storage tanks, many of them found at former gas stations.  The problem is they're leaking or have leaked.  The petroleum has carcinogens and can seep into the ground and water, causing harm to the environment.  The state received $3.25 million in federal stimulus dollars to assist communities with tank closure, assessment and cleanup of these sites.  Not only will this create jobs but it will clean these properties that otherwise could have remained vacant for years.  ‘This is accelerating to the finish of that process so the most difficult of those tanks can be cleaned up so it would protect the ground water as well as opening up development sites,’ said Missouri Governor, Jay Nixon.” [KY3, 9/16/09]

 

Missouri will use $14 million in Recovery Act funds to reduce fossil fuel emissions and create green jobs.  “The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $14 million in stimulus money to help counties cut back on energy use, reduce fossil fuel emissions and create green jobs.  Activities eligible for funding include energy audits and building retrofits in the residential and commercial sector, the development and implementation of advanced building codes and inspections and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 9/15/09]

 

Recovery Act money will fund the construction of a safer, dedicated truck lane from St. Louis to Kansas City. “Missouri’s $4 billion plan to build dedicated truck lanes from St. Louis to Kansas City has won approval from the federal government. With the Federal Highway Administration’s OK last month, the Missouri Department of Transportation can move ahead with the project if funding become available. The state has applied for $200 million in stimulus money to build 30 miles of segregated truck lanes in Saline and Cooper counties, which would be the largest stretch of dedicated truck lanes in the country, said Bob Brendel, project manager for Interstate 70 environmental studies. ‘The public has repeatedly told us about their concerns with safety issues regarding truck traffic,’ Brendel said. ‘This enhances safety.’” [St. Louis Business Journal, 09/09/09]

 

The Missouri National Guard will use Recovery Act money to upgrade its facilities across the state . “The Missouri National Guard is tapping nearly $3 million in federal stimulus money to upgrade its facilities across the state. Among the renovation projects is an improvement project at Camp Clark in Nevada (Neh-VAY-dah). That project involves making the camp's World War II-era barracks more energy efficient and compliant with modern fire codes. Additional work is planned at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City, the Aviation Classification and Repair Activity Depot in Springfield, the Kingshighway Readiness Center in St. Louis and the Guard's training area on Fort Leonard Wood.” [Associated Press, 9/7/09]

 

The Missouri Highway Patrol was awarded Recovery Act funds to create a rural crimes task force.  “The Missouri Highway Patrol is getting an extra boost to fight rural crimes. Gov. Nixon says the Patrol will get $3.4 million in stimulus money to create the Rural Crimes Task Force. The cash will pay for personnel, equipment, and supplies. Nixon wants the task force to focus on farm crimes and cattle theft. ‘This Rural Crimes Task Force will be an invaluable tool to assist the Patrol and other law enforcement agencies in combating rural crime, recovering stolen property, and sharing information and intelligence related to rural crimes,’ said Col. James Keathley, superintendent of the Patrol. The money is to be used over a two-year period and will also purchase equipment and supplies for investigators.” [OzarksFirst.com, 9/4/09]

 

Kansas City will use Recovery Act funds to build a bike/pedestrian lane across the Choteau Bridge.  “Another bike lane could be coming to a Kansas City river crossing near you.  The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to spend about $2.8 million to build a segregated bike/ped lane across the Chouteau bridge as part of $5 million in work planned for the Missouri River crossing.  It would be the second bike/ped lane for MoDOT, which was heavily criticized for not building a bike/ped lane on the new Paseo Bridge.  MoDOT plans to start construction of a bike/ped lane on the Heart of America Bridge by next March with an eye toward completing it by the end of the year.  Stimulus money allowed MoDOT to accelerate the Heart of America bike/ped lane project.” [Kansas City Star, 8/28/09]  

 

Joplin will receive Recovery Act funds for transportation improvements.  “Joplin will receive more than $1 million in federal stimulus money for transit improvements.  U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the $1.1 million grant Thursday.  The funds will pay for a bus storage facility, bus shelters, benches and a bike rack.  The federal government has made more than $5.7 billion available for transit improvements across the country this year.” [Associated Press, 8/21/09]  

 

Kansas City programs will use Recovery Act funds to assist women affected by domestic violence.  “Two Kansas City-area programs that serve women dealing with domestic violence will receive nearly $500,000 in federal stimulus funds.  The U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday announced grants of about $305,000 to Hope House in eastern Jackson County and $185,000 to the Rose Brooks Center in Kansas City.  Both offer transitional housing and a wide range of services to women and families who have been affected by domestic violence. Hope House is Missouri's largest domestic violence shelter.  The grants were made from the stimulus program's Office on Violence Against Women.” [Associated Press, 8/19/09]  

 

Recovery Act funds could save historic Katy Bridge from Demolition. “The Missouri Department of Transportation applied for more than 27 million dollars in stimulus funds to pay for a new steel railroad bridge in Osage City.  This comes as a relief to many history buffs in Boonville, who fought for the past few years to save the Katy Bridge from demolition.  Months ago, Union Pacific, which owns the Katy Bridge, announced plans to tear down the bridge and recycle the steel to build the new bridge over the Osage River.  MODOT officials say this was before anyone knew stimulus funds were an option.  ‘Union Pacific made this decision before anyone had a clue that we would be able to use money from the government as an alternative.  Obviously no one wants to see the bridge crumble.  But even if we are granted the stimulus funds, MODOT cannot guarantee that the bridge will ultimately be safe,’ Railway Administrator Rod Massman said.  But members of the Save the Katy Bridge Coalition say they are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the bridge stands.” [KOMU Channel 8 News, 8/18/09]  

 

Kansas City will use Recovery act funds to install energy-efficient traffic lights, upgrade city hall, construct transportation center, and build trail.  “Kansas City was awarded $4.8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, financed by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009… The city will research land use and transportation that promote energy efficiency, Dennis Murphey, the city’s chief environmental officer, said in an interview. ‘I suspect we’ll look at things like development patterns and public transit, and nodal, or clustered, development,’ he said.” [Kansas City Business Journal, 8/18/09] 

 

Six food pantries are set to receive extra food as a result of the emergency food assistance program, which was created by the Recovery Act.  “Food pantries all over Mid-Missouri will be saying ‘cheese’ this month, thanks to a shipment of the dairy product made possible through federal stimulus money.  Gov. Jay Nixon was on hand this morning at the Central Missouri Food Bank to help unload some of the 843 boxes of Bongards’ Creameries pasteurized American cheese.  They were delivered to the food bank today as a result of The Emergency Food Assistance Program, a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.”  Governor Nixon:  “We’re here today to support the Central Missouri Food Bank, combat hunger and help those in need.  Tens of thousands of Missourians in 32 counties are served by this food bank… and without its help, we couldn’t get it done.” [Columbia Daily Tribune, 8/10/09]

 

Mid-America Regional Council received Recovery Act cash to implement Missouri clean diesel program in Kansas City. “Gov. Jay Nixon announced the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $412,441 subgrant to Mid-America Regional Council.  The council will use the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to reduce diesel emissions and protect air quality by implementing the state's clean diesel program in the Kansas City area.  Reducing diesel emissions, which contain fine particulates and other components that can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, is an important step toward protecting public health in Missouri.  Diesel emissions are known to cause and exacerbate lung and respiratory diseases such as asthma.” [Press Release – Governor Jay Nixon, 8/10/09]

 

Blue Springs and North Kansas City will use Recovery Act funds to pay for teacher training, improve classroom technology.  “More technology usually means more attention being paid by students.  At least, that’s what education officials were hoping Wednesday in the Blue Springs and North Kansas City school districts.  Those two districts are among 14 statewide that will split $4 million in federal stimulus funding to help finance technology in the classroom and expanded technology-based teaching methods…  The district will receive $184,346 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The North Kansas City district will receive $396,956… In Missouri, the program is designed to improve teaching strategies and student achievement.  Grant recipients will use the funds for teacher training and to enhance or add classroom computers.  The North Kansas City district already has 45 computer-enhanced classrooms in eight elementary schools.  The grant will fund 25 additional classrooms in four more elementary schools. ‘Research has showed that anytime you put technology and kids together in the classroom, two things happen: better attendance and fewer behavior issues,’ Burton said.” [Kansas City Star, 8/5/09]

 

Taney County will grant Recovery Act money to Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake to combat homelessness.  “The Taney County Commission selected Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake to help distribute $175,000 starting this fall to people who are in danger of becoming homeless or to help people who have found themselves recently homeless, get into a place.  ‘The (Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program) grant can really provide some quick support to families experiencing a housing stability crisis,’ said Alan Catron, Christian Associates CEO.” [Branson Daily News, 7/26/09]

 

Ten Missouri Arts groups received Recovery Act funding.  “A Joplin music group is among Missouri arts organizations that will receive a share of $650,000 in federal stimulus funds distributed by the National Endowment for the Arts.  Pro Musica in Joplin will receive a $25,000 in a program administered by the Missouri Arts Council, according to a news release. In all, ten organizations received funding in Missouri, according to a news release.” [Springfield News-Leader, 7/23/09]

 

Recovery Act’s Qualified School Construction Bond funded multiple school projects across Missouri.  “Dozens of Missouri school districts, including several in the St. Louis area, will receive $141 million in interest-free federal bonds to pay for construction projects.  As part of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Qualified School Construction Bond program absorbs costs that would otherwise be incurred by school districts, effectively allowing districts to borrow funds without paying interest.  Bondholders are provided with federal tax credits in lieu of the interest that would ordinarily be paid by the school districts which issues them.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 7/16/09]

 

Recovery Act funds allocated to Grace Hill Settlement House for a program to reduce local diesel emissions.  “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $2 million in federal stimulus funds to Grace Hill Settlement House for a program to reduce local diesel emissions, the federal agency said Wednesday… The Grace Hill award was chosen to both maximize economic impact and emissions reductions, said the EPA, which said the project would create jobs but didn’t specify how many.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 7/15/09]

 

Missouri received $975,000 in Recovery Act funding to reduce diesel emissions by retrofitting fleets in St. Louis and Springfield.  “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it awarded $975,609 in federal stimulus funds to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for the statewide reduction of diesel emissions.  MDNR will use the funds for a project targeting diesel emission reduction in fleets in St. Louis and Springfield, Mo.  A partnership with St. Louis Clean Cities Coalition will target 44 school buses, 10 concrete mixers and 16 heavy-duty trash trucks in St. Louis.  MDNR plans to partner with the Ozark Center for Sustainable Solutions at Drury University to retrofit 98 school buses and replace 13 school buses in Springfield, Mo.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 7/15/09]

 

States of Missouri and Kansas gained Recovery Act awards to induce purchase of energy-efficient appliances through rebates.  “Missouri and Kansas together will get up to $8.4 million to encourage people to buy energy-efficient appliances.  The U.S Department of Energy made the announcement Tuesday about the federal economic stimulus money, to be used for rebates to consumers.  Missouri is to get up to $5.7 million and Kansas up to $2.7 million as part of the $300 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act program.   Each state has until Oct. 15 to develop details about how its rebate program will work, including which appliances will qualify.” [Kansas City Star, 7/14/09]

 

Recovery Act provided job training programs formative in determining career path for 6,500 Missouri students.  “Missouri is using a portion of its funding from the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on what it's calling the Next Generation Jobs Program… In addition to providing work for the age group hit hardest by unemployment, the program aims to provide job training for students in fields outside what many typically envision when they think of summer jobs.” [ABC News, 7/13/09]

 

Missouri slated to undertake 600 new road and highway projects in coming years using Recovery Act resources and state funds.  “The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program will include more than 600 new road and highway projects.  These will start next year and continue through 2014.  MoDOT estimates the total cost to be 6.5 billion dollars.  For the first two years the money comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Safe & Sound bridge Improvement program.” [KOMU – NBC, 7/9/09]

 

Highway 364 extension facilitated with $6 million of Recovery Act money.  “Funding has been secured to extend Highway 364, also known as the Page Avenue extension, to Mid Rivers Mall Drive.  The Missouri Department of Transportation approved an additional $43 million in federal, state and local funding for the project, which comes on top of the $43 million the highway is slated to receive from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act… The project will receive about $32 million in state funds and a combined $3 million from St. Charles County and St. Peters.  The county already loaned $2 million to MoDOT for engineering work for this last mile of phase 2.” [Town and Country Suburban Journals, 7/7/09]

 

$321,000 in Recovery Act funds allocated to Missouri for rural development.  “The City of Richland will be one of several cities in Missouri to receive funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials announced July 2.  The funds — $31,— will be used to purchase equipment.  More than $321,000 is being released to local municipalities and community organizations in Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District.  The monies are made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and are distributed the USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program.” [Waynesville Daily Guide, 7/7/09]

 

Recovery Act-funded St. Louis Airport Fire and Rescue facility construction underway.  “Federal stimulus dollars are paying to construct a new airport fire and rescue station at St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia and Sauget, Ill… Funding for the $4.6 million project through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was championed by U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-12th District, in Illinois. Costello, who chairs the House Aviation Subcommittee, is scheduled to make remarks at the groundbreaking event… Costello said Monday in a statement, ‘This is exactly the type of domestic investment we have neglected in recent years, and I will continue to support these efforts. This funding will enhance safety as St. Louis Downtown Airport continues to grow.’” [St. Louis Business Journal, 7/6/09]

 

Senator McCaskill announced allocation of $17 million to health centers across Missouri through Recovery Act capital improvement program.  “Northeast Missouri Health Council will receive over $800,000.  According to Chief Executive Officer Andy Grimm, they will use the money to build additional capacity to serve more patients.  He says they will build additional space and it capacity at the new Crown Drive Health Campus.  The new space will be used to house enough hardware to implement electronic medical records to nine medical clinics and one dental clinic.  The grant money is provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's Capital Improvement Program. Funds will help with construction, repair and renovation, as well as the purchase of new equipment.” [KTVO – NBC, 7/1/09]

 

$631,990 in Recovery Act funds directed to Family Health Center of Boone.  “The Family Health Center of Boone County has received a second grant through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The $631,990 grant will be used to expand dental services in Columbia and Salisbury. Funds will also be used to purchase medical equipment for the health center’s facilities in Columbia and Marceline. Family Health Center serves 10 counties in Central and north-central Missouri.  The latest round of ARRA grant funding of $17.1 million was divided among 20 health care centers in the state.” [Columbia Tribune, 7/1/09]

 

Local health care IT firm Curas’ business improving thanks to Recovery Act initiatives.  “Local health-care IT firm Curas Inc. is seeing the trickle-down effect of federal stimulus funding available for electronic health record (EHR) initiatives.  Curas has landed contracts with major community health centers in Arkansas and Mississippi and expects stimulus funding to continue to bolster business.  ‘We foresee a lot more work coming from this area,’ said Num Pisutha-Arnond, president of the O’Fallon, Mo.-based firm… The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act designated $19 billion for health-care IT spending, including $2 billion for community health clinics’ infrastructure.” [St. Louis Business Journal, 6/27/09]

 

$22.9 million from Recovery Act for Missouri state energy plan.  “The U.S. Department of Energy on Thursday awarded Missouri $22.9 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for its State Energy Program.  State Energy Programs are designed to increase energy savings, create jobs in energy efficiency and encourage the use of renewable energy.  Missouri will use the money to expand its Energy Center program and increase energy efficiency in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, the Department of Energy said in a release.  The state also will use the money to find opportunities in energy efficiency in aluminum, chemicals, food products, metal casting and forest products, which the state has identified as its more energy-intensive categories.” [Kansas City Business Journal, 6/25/09]

 

$121,000 from Recovery Act will bring smaller class sizes and high-quality technology to Southland School District.  “According to Superintendent Raymond Lasley, the money will be used to further reduce class sizes and add more technology to the upper elementary school… the goal is to have about half the number of students per classroom as the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) standard.   ‘[The smaller classroom sizes] provide each student with more attention and makes the teacher more available to help the individual students needs.’” [Daily Dunklin Democrat, 6/14/09]

 

Recovery Act funds will go toward improvement projects in the Mark Twain National Forest.  The projects include road and bridge maintenance and access improvements in parts of the forest in Christian, Shannon and Stone counties in southwest Missouri. [News-Leader, 6/3/09]

 

Recovery Act funds will be made available in Missouri to restore fish and wildlife habitats on private lands. “Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that $80,000 has been made available in Missouri to restore fish and wildlife habitat on private lands through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding will support voluntary habitat improvement projects completed through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program in partnership with private landowners. ‘The economic recovery investments that the Department of the Interior is making will create jobs by building trails, restoring habitat, upgrading visitors’ centers, and protecting national treasures in communities across America, while leaving a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren,’ said Secretary Salazar. In Missouri, ARRA funds through the Partners program will go toward restoring habitat along Tavern Creek in the southern part of the state. The work will benefit the Niangua darter, a federally endangered fish. Partners program projects are typically constructed by local contractors, channeling dollars to the local economy.”[Kansas City infozine, 5/27/09]

 

Three Recovery Act-funded transportation projects will create more than 100 jobs in northeast Missouri. “Three transportation projects awarded May 6 at the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission meeting will create more than 100 jobs in Northeast Missouri. The funding for these projects originates from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act authorized by the federal government. The resurfacing projects, totaling more than 60 miles, includes Route 151 in Monroe and Shelby Counties, Route 15 in Audrain and Monroe Counties, and Route A in Randolph County… ‘We are putting the stimulus money toward needed highway construction projects that were already identified as needs through our planning process, so they were ready to go,’ said MoDOT Northeast District Engineer Paula Gough. ‘These projects should have a positive impact on the economy. For example, on the Route 15 job, about 62 jobs will be created, and while these are primarily in the construction field, the residual effects impact local businesses such as restaurants, convenience stores and hotels.’” [Hannibal Courier-Post, 5/20/09]

 

Missouri is receiving $2.6 million in Recovery Act funds to hire and retain criminal justice and victims services personnel who respond to violent crimes against women. “Missouri is receiving more than $2.6 million in stimulus money for programs that combat violence against women. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the U.S. Department of Justice is providing the Missouri Department of Public Safety with grants to hire and retain criminal justice and victim services personnel who respond to violent crimes against women. The STOP program supports economic growth through the creation of new jobs while improving responses to domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, according to information provided by the office of U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.”[St. Louis Business Journal, 5/20/09]

 

Recovery Act-funded projects at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery will provide the hatchery with a renewable energy source and improve safety and air quality of existing buildings. [News-Leader, 5/21/09]

 

Missouri will use Recovery Act money to expand its senior jobs program.  “The state Department of Health and Senior Services plans to spend $2.8 million over 14 months to help older Missourians get jobs. Agency officials said Tuesday it's the first non-transportation federal stimulus project to get started in Missouri. The stimulus money likely will boost the jobs program's funds by 23 percent. State officials think the extra funding will help about 300 more people secure jobs.”[Associated Press, 5/19/09]

 

Recovery Act will fund the renovation of the Route 66 Welcome Center and three trail projects. “Four local projects have received a combined $646,800 in federal stimulus money through the Transportation Enhancement Program of the Missouri Department of Transportation. Three of the projects are for trails. The other is for a Route 66 Welcome Center in Webb City… In Joplin, the money will fund two trail extensions. The Turkey Creek Trail, which connects the Frisco Greenway Trail to St. Louis Avenue, will receive $279,500. The Ozark Memorial Park Trail, which connects St. Louis Avenue to Florida Avenue, will get $160,000… At Carl Junction, $181,472 will be spent to expand the Thom’s Station Trail between downtown Carl Junction and the Briarbrook area. The money will finance phase three of the project south of Center Creek. The Route 66 Welcome Center in Webb City is to be developed in an old gasoline service station at Webb Street and Broadway. The project received $25,828 of the $47,000 that was requested.” [The Joplin Globe, 5/18/09]

 

Missouri was awarded $25.3 million in Recovery Act funds for public safety projects and to create or retail law enforcement jobs. “Missouri was awarded $25.3 million in economic stimulus funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for public safety projects and to create or retain law enforcement jobs, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program funds are part of more than $4 billion in Justice Department Recovery Act funds available to prevent crime, improve the criminal justice system and support job creation, Holder’s office said in a release. Missouri is required to provide part of the $25 million to local jurisdictions. The Missouri Department of Public Safety’s application for the funds said it plans to support response strategies to enhance public safety and reduce violent crime and illegal drugs, while continuing to provide alternative sentencing programs and increase training and equipment for child abuse and neglect investigations, according to the release.”[Kansas City Business Journal, 5/13/09]