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Feb. 29, 2008
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Bonnie Prigge or Chuck Cantrell (573) 265-2993
Lead Certification Class For Contractors
Planned March 14
ST. JAMES— Local contractors who are interested in bidding on grant-funded housing renovation projects, especially those in the Hermann area, are encouraged to attend a 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. Cost of the training is $100 per person.
Meramec Regional Planning Commission will host the training on Friday, March 14, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at MRPC, 4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO. Meramec Community Enhancement Corp. been awarded grants from the Missouri Housing Development Corp. for housing renovation projects. One project focuses on Hermann, MO, while the other project includes the eight-county Meramec Region. Some $255,000 will be invested in housing improvements, and at least 13 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 in the northern part of the region 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.
Meramec Regional Planning Commission will overseeing the grant projects on behalf of MCEC, which is MRPC’s nonproft sister organization.
MRPC is an active, voluntary council of local governents 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 at meramecregion.org
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