June 16, 2006

For more information, contact:
Richard Cavender or Bonnie J. Prigge, (573) 265-2993

MRPC TO REQUEST PROPOSALS FOR
FORT LEONARD WOOD TRANSIT PROVIDERS
Board approves $1.49 million budget for 2006-2007
ST. JAMES—Meramec Regional Planning Commission will be issuing a request for proposals to develop a transit service to serve employees at Fort Leonard Wood. A recent feasibility study, conducted by MRPC in partnership with Missouri Transportation Institute and Fort Leonard Wood, indicated sufficient interest to support service between Rolla and Fort Leonard Wood and Lebanon and Fort Leonard Wood. The MRPC board, meeting in regular session on June 8, approved a request to seek proposals from existing service providers, as the study indicated that was the most cost-effective way of delivering the services.
As planned, MRPC would oversee the operation of the program and work with existing providers to offer transit services. The board took that action after hearing a proposal from Angie Rolufs, assistant director of the Missouri Transportation Institute, who coordinated the transit survey. Once proposals are received, MRPC staff will make a recommendation on a contractor, if cost proposals appear feasible to run a self-sustaining service.
MRPC is still studying reverse commute options as well as the use of alternative fuel vehicles in a transit program. The feasibility study is being funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
In other business, the board:
• Honored Salem Mayor Gary Brown for his two years of service as chairman of MRPC. Newly elected Chairman Robert Reed of Washington, presiding over his first meeting, presented the plaque to Bown. Under MRPC bylaws, officers are allowed to serve two one-year terms in a given position. Brown was elected to serve as MRPC treasurer for the 2006-2007 term.
• At the recommendation of the Operations Committee, approved a $1.49 million budget for MRPC for fiscal 2006-2007. One-half of the budget is related to community and economic development work, including loan programs. The budget, as adopted, anticipates a $41,500 surplus.
• Heard that the MRPC health insurance consortium committee had selected Wallstreet Insurance Group of Jefferson City to develop an insurance consortium and bid health insurance as a group. A kick-off meeting is planned later in June so that local governments will know what information the insurance broker will need to develop insurance plan specifications. (See related story.)
• Learned that staff would be mailing information on the 2006 annual dinner that is planned in November. The External Relations Committee, chaired by Laura Antolak of Rolla, is requesting proposals on where to have the dinner and is also requesting nominations for volunteers deserving of an MRPC award.
Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. A professional staff of 24, directed by the MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.
The MRPC board will meet again Aug. 10 at its office at 4 Industrial Drive in St. James. All meetings are open to the public.

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The MRPC board presented Former Chairman Gary Brown of Salem (right) with a plaque of appreciation for his two years of service as chairman. Newly elected Chairman Robert Reed of Washington County presents the plaque during MRPC's regular board meeting June 8 in St. James.