Hunter reports progress on MSDC projects

Tuesday, June 9, 2009
By GEOFF RANDS/Staff writer

Executive Director Roy Hunter gave updates on several projects at the Marshall-Saline Development Corporation Board meeting Tuesday morning, June 9.

Project Green, MSDC's name for Saline Green Project, the planned ethanol-, furfural- and electricity-producing plant, has had activity in the realm of both preparation and submission of the financial package, according to Hunter's prepared material. Hunter expects he will receive an informative update on the project during the week of June 15-19.

At the state's request, the Slater Enterprise Zone application has had a few changes made to it, including new resolutions from the Saline County Commission and the City of Slater. The state has been alerted to the completion of these changes.

Hunter met with developers on the Marshall Junction Project. He called the meeting "productive," and said an effort to move forward on at least one piece of property at the junction is underway.

Hunter has also been in contact with Missouri Department of Transportation in regard to the upgrade of the cloverleaf exchange at the junction. He has requested some changes in engineering plans necessary for submission of a block grant application.

Monsanto Research is exploring options for an expansion of its facility in the industrial park. Hunter said he hopes to have financial data compiled before the next MSDC board meeting.

AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer Josh King also gave the board an update on his activity.

The Downtown Revitalization Committee met Tuesday, May 26, and will meet again Monday, June 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the Marshall Public Library to discuss using the Missouri Main Street Program in Marshall's downtown. At the meeting, participants also discussed ways for entrepreneurs to use opportunities made available by the Farmers Market.

The alumni database King is working on as part of Project Footprint, an effort to reconnect alumni with Saline County, has been updated to include Sweet Springs contacts.

Tiffany Mullis was introduced to the board. Mullis is a temporary employee who will serve as alumni development assistant.

Board members Jene Crook, Kyle Gibbs, Greg Swift, Bill Riggins, Michelle Pointer and Stan Moore were present at the meeting. Board member Larry Holland was absent.

The board's next meeting is scheduled for 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the MSDC offices located at 1455 W. Arrow St.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net

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i so agree

-- Posted by nichoil on Tue, Jun 9, 2009, at 2:13 PM

I would wager any amount that zero of what is talked about here ever comes to fruition--that is the modus operandi, talk alot and produce nothing, or as the old saying goes "all hat and no cattle".

-- Posted by midmocat on Tue, Jun 9, 2009, at 1:57 PM