Disaster Declaration news graphic

FEMA approves Governor Parson’s federal disaster declaration request for December 10 severe storms and tornadoes

Governor Mike Parson announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved his request for a major disaster declaration in response to severe storms and tornadoes in Missouri on December 10. Seven Missouri counties will receive federal assistance as a result of the Governor’s December 28 request, which included $27 million in identified qualifying disaster-related expenses. […]

Gallatin City Hall

Gallatin Board of Aldermen discuss 2022 budget and approve an agreement with Allstate Consultants

The Gallatin Board of Aldermen on December 13th approved an ordinance involving an agreement with Allstate Consultants LLC. The ordinance authorized the city to enter into an engineering service agreement for street and drainage improvements. City Administrator Lance Rains reported the City of Gallatin has received notice that D. A. Davidson and Company is willing […]

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USDA invests more than $288 million to build and improve critical rural infrastructure in Missouri

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Missouri State Director Kyle Wilkens announced that USDA is investing $288,302,000 to build and improve critical rural infrastructure in Missouri. “Infrastructure is more than just laying pipes in the ground and wires on poles,” said Wilkens. “By investing in modern infrastructure, Rural Development is investing in the lives of […]

Governor Mike Parson

Governor Parson seeks Joint damage assessments in anticipation of requests for federal disaster declaration

Governor Mike Parson announced the state has begun the process to obtain federal disaster assistance for Missouri in response to severe storms and deadly tornadoes that swept across the state on December 10 leaving behind a trail of destruction, including extensive damage to electric power systems. Governor Parson is requesting the Federal Emergency Management Agency […]

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USDA to make up to $800 million available to provide economic relief to biofuel producers

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA will make up to $800 million available to support biofuel producers and infrastructure. The announcement includes $700 million to provide economic relief to biofuel producers and restore renewable fuel markets affected by the pandemic. The Department will make the funds available through the new Biofuel Producer […]

USDA Reconnect Program

USDA accepting applications for loans and Grants to assist those in rural areas in obtaining high-speed internet access

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Department has begun accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help people in rural areas get access to high-speed internet. This announcement comes on the heels of the recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides another nearly $2 billion in additional […]

DIY repair or home rehabilitation

USDA invests more than $350,000 to repair or rehabilitate homes in rural Missouri

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Missouri Acting State Director D Clark Thomas announced the agency is investing $358,270 to improve equitable access to safe housing for rural Missouri homeowners. USDA Rural Development has long partnered with various organizations, together making a larger impact in rural Missouri, Thomas said. The Housing Preservation Grant Program is […]

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USDA invests $222 million in rural community infrastructure

 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA is investing $222 million to build and improve critical community facilities (PDF, 729 KB) in 44 states, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. This community infrastructure funding will benefit nearly 2.5 million people in rural communities. It also […]

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Graves announces RAISE grant to replace Grand River Railroad Bridge near Brunswick

Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), Ranking Member for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the Grand River Bridge Resiliency Project has received a RAISE Transportation Discretionary Grant. The RAISE Grant program was previously called the BUILD Grant program before being renamed earlier this year. This funding was approved by Congress last year and signed […]

Patrick McKenna Director of the Missouri Department of Transportation

Billions headed to Missouri transportation fund from gas tax hike, infrastructure bill

(Missouri Independent) – With $6.5 billion on the way from the federal infrastructure bill and a newly increased gas tax, Missouri is ready to take a big bite out of $4.5 billion in unfunded highway needs, Patrick McKenna, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation, said this week. But that doesn’t mean the state is ready to tackle […]

Plane or airplane fighting a wildfire

Climate funds in infrastructure bill aimed at drought, wildfires, floods

(Missouri Independent) – The recently passed bipartisan infrastructure bill isn’t just about roads and bridges — it also spends billions to address wildfire, drought, flooding, and other effects from climate change, Interior Department officials said Wednesday. The $1.2 trillion measure, which is awaiting President Joe Biden’s signature after the House cleared it last week, includes pay […]

Gallatin City Hall

Gallatin Board of Aldermen hold discussion on employee retirement system; police department to organize “Toys for Tots” program

The Gallatin Board of Aldermen on November 8, 2021, discussed the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System. The various retirement options with the program were discussed. Administrator Lance Rains provided a report with the annual costs for the LAGERS program for the City of Albany for the last 10 years. Alderman Carl McBee moved to join […]

Cargo or container ship docked for unloading

White House says “Easing of supply chain problems to start with backed-up seaports”

(Missouri Independent) – The first seaport to improve its facilities following passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill could be in Savannah, Ga., a senior Biden administration official said Tuesday. President Joe Biden has yet to sign the measure, which Congress sent to Biden’s desk late last week, funding improvements in highways, transit, ports, waterways, airports, […]

Lead Hazard News Graphic

New funds and strategy may boost “massive task” of reducing lead exposure for Missouri kids

(Missouri Independent) – It’s clear that lead exposure is a problem for Missouri’s children. An estimated 4.5% have elevated levels of lead in their blood, more than almost any other state in the country. What’s far more difficult is figuring out where children are getting exposed to lead, said Carlton Waterhouse, President Joe Biden’s pick for […]

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USDA awards funds to 13 organizations to create livable communities attracting people and jobs

U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA is awarding $3 million in cooperative agreements to 13 organizations. These organizations will provide technical assistance to people living in rural and Tribal communities so they can apply for and access government resources for projects that will attract jobs and […]