MRPC
News
Oct. 19, 2005
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Bonnie Prigge or Chuck Cantrell (573) 265-2993
LEAD CERTIFICATION CLASS FOR CONTRACTORS PLANNED NOV. 3 IN POTOSI
ST. JAMES- Local contractors who are interested in bidding on grant-funded housing
renovation projects in the Washington and Crawford county areas are encouraged
to attend a free training on Lead Safe Work Practices. Special certification
is required to work on some state and federal housing renovation programs involving
lead-based paint, and this class will help contractors to be certified for such
projects.
Meramec Regional Planning Commission will host the free training on Thursday,
Nov. 3, 2005, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the basement of the Washington County
Library in Potosi. The cities of Cuba and Potosi have both been awarded grants
from the Missouri Department of Economic Development for housing renovation
projects, which will begin later this fall. Some $761,000 will be invested in
housing improvements, and at least 37 homes will be improved.
"Contractors must have successfully completed a lead-safe work practices
course and scored at least a 70% on a test to be eligible to bid on any of the
work," explained Chuck Cantrell, community development specialist with
MRPC. "Right now, we don't have enough contractors certified to move this
project along in a timely fashion. We hope that area contractors will be interested
in performing this work and attending this training."
The class will offer safe work practices on reducing lead hazards during renovations,
remodeling and rehabilitation. Lead-based paint, linked to learning disabilities
in children and other health problems, is common in homes built before 1978.
The eight-hour class is also open to landlords or homeowners who do their own
renovation, especially those landlords involved in the HUD rental assistance
program, offered through the Phelps County Public Housing Agency.
In June, the Missouri Department of Economic Development Community Development
Block Grant program selected the city of Cuba and the city of Potosi to receive
housing renovation grants, based on applications prepared by MRPC in partnership
with the cities.
The city of Cuba was awarded $417,100 to renovate 17 homes in the area of School
Street in Cuba. The city of Potosi was awarded $344,080 to renovate 20 homes
in the area of Coleman, Clara, Cordia, N. Mine, Pine and Teasdale streets in
Potosi.
Both cities have hired Meramec Regional Planning Commission to oversee the grant
projects.
This is the second Neighborhood Development project that Potosi has been awarded
from the Missouri Department of Economic Development Community Development Block
Grant program. The first grant was awarded in 1989 and was successfully completed.
MRPC is an active, voluntary council of local governments serving Crawford,
Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. The
52-member volunteer board, made up of elected officials and appointed representatives,
works to enhance the quality of life in the region. A professional staff assists
member communities and counties in the areas of economic and community development,
environmental planning, business loans, ordinance codification, child care and
housing. Since its formation in 1969, MRPC has secured in excess of $40 million
worth of grants to benefit specific cities and counties in the region.
Persons needing more information or wanting to register may contact Cantrell
at (573) 265-2993 or email ccantrell@meramecregion.org