Project #: R3GM and R3AA
MO Cong. Dist. #8
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2010
Contact:
Larry Dean, 612-713-5312
Larry_Dean@fws.gov
Ben Mense, 573-222-3589
Ben_Mense@fws.gov
Jason Holm, 612-713-5310
Jason_Holm@fws.gov
April 1 Groundbreaking Celebrates $4.2 Million Energy Efficient, Accessible Visitor Center for Missouri’s Mingo NWR
When members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Mingo NWR and a gathering of refuge partners break ground April 1, it will be out with the old and in with the new. The new being an energy efficient and spacious new Visitors Center, funded with $4.2 million in ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) funds awarded for the project.
The new building will replace an aging and deteriorating facility that would cost just as much, if not more, to bring up to code as replacing with a modernized and accessible building that will benefit the more than 100,000 visitors Mingo NWR sees each year.
The building will be located on the same site as the existing facility. Staff noted that the extent of the repairs needed to bring the existing building up to current codes and standards would be quite costly for everything from repairs to leaks and cracks to the greater operational costs that come with a building that isn’t energy efficient.
“The new building will meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards the existing building could not meet while also providing space for bringing in school and other groups for activities that help further their appreciation of the bountiful natural resources in our community,” said Ben Mense, Refuge Manager. “The new facility will provide energy costs savings, while providing a modern and accessible visitor facility for the American public.”
“The Midwest Region has a long tradition of enjoying the fish, wildlife, lakes, rivers and prairies we are so fortunate to have," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius. “The projects we are undertaking throughout the Midwest, as part of ARRA, will provide jobs, increase the energy efficiency of government buildings, protect and enhance our natural resources, provide greater opportunities for people to enjoy those natural resources, and perhaps most importantly, help current and future generations understand and share our passion for the natural world.”
"We are excited about this new facility and the increased visitors we expect it will bring to the local community," said Mense. "This not only helps the local economy, but it will also help us to reach a broader audience as we tell the story of fish and wildlife resources and the unique habitat we have in southeastern Missouri."
Funding for these projects and hundreds more across the nation comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Of the $3 billion appropriated to the Department of the Interior, the Act provides $280 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – which includes $115 million for construction, repair and energy efficiency retrofit projects at Service facilities, and $165 million for habitat restoration, deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects.
The Service will benefit from an additional $10 million, which is administered by the Department of Transportation and is not included in the Service’s $280 million appropriation that will be used to rebuild and improve roads on several national wildlife refuges. Projects will immediately create local jobs in the communities where they are located, while stimulating long-term employment and economic opportunities for the American public.
Of the $280 million U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ARRA dollars, the Midwest Region received $28.5 million, with $5 million of that going to projects in Missouri.
Recovery Act projects address long-standing priority needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its capital planning process. The Service worked through a rigorous merit-based process to identify and prioritize investments meeting the criteria put forth in the Recovery Act: namely, that a project addresses the Department’s highest priority mission needs; generates the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time; and creates lasting value for the American public.
For a full list of funded projects nationwide, visit the Department’s Recovery Web Site at http://recovery.doi.gov/ For a list of Service projects, click on the Service’s logo at the bottom of the page. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department of the Interior’s economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on the recovery web site, which includes an interactive map that enables the public to track where and how the Department’s recovery dollars are being spent. In addition, the public can submit questions, comments or concerns at recoveryact@fws.gov
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
-FWS-
(from L to R) Brian White, Puxico Elementary School, Tim Aslin, Mingo Job Corps., A.J. Hendershott, Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Judy Plunkett, Mingo NWR, Puddles the Blue Goose, Charlie Wooley , Deputy Regional Director, Ben Mense , Mingo NWR, Jack Reasbeck, Arrowhead Construction, John Stanard, Mingo Swamp Friends Group, LeRoy Romine, Mingo Swamp Friends Group, and Christy Mercer, Senator Claire McCaskills Office break ground for the new Mingo NWR Visitors Center. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo by Aaron Horrell)
