Resource management reports grants, trail right-of-way acquisition and recycling gains

Resource Management Director Todd told commissioners that departments under his oversight are operating within allocated budgets and highlighted grant and infrastructure activity. He said the county’s SWIPR grant application to the EPA seeking roughly $709,000 to support construction for a recycling facility relocation advanced through the first level of review and that a 604(b) clean water planning grant request of $45,000 is pending with Missouri DNR via SIMCOG. Todd reported the county completed acquisition of approximately 1.44 miles of railroad right-of-way, which will be transferred to Ozark Greenways and is expected to help connect to an overpass under construction. He also said recycling collections are ahead of last year and that cardboard volumes are at a high point in years. The department is addressing stormwater and floodplain compliance issues and has escalated some cases to the prosecutor’s office when property owners did not comply voluntarily. Ending: Commissioners received the report; no formal action was taken. Todd said staff will continue grant pursuit and coordination with regional partners and developers.