Developing a Moniteau County inventory of properties and buildings available, or "ready to become available" for new, relocating or expanding businesses was discussed at the Aug. 12 meeting of the MRED (Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council). The noon meeting was at Burgher Haus in California.
Representatives of the committees - Marketing, Business Attraction/Development, Retention and Workforce Development - briefly spoke about how the goal development is proceeding. Chair Mike Kelley informed the board that the USDA rural development grant applied for is still pending, with a decision expected in a month or so. It takes time for all of the applications to be reviewed. The Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission (MMRPC) assisted in putting the application together. If this grant is received, the 25 percent match grant totaling $40,500, MRED will provide the $10,500 match. This grant is a gigabit broadband development opportunity.
It was reported that there has been some attention paid by businesses to Moniteau County, since it is in a central location with railroad, highway and high-speed internet access.
Ken Johnson, Co-Mo Electric CEO/General Manager and Co-Mo Comm President, spoke of the recently announced plan by the EPA to eliminate most coal-fueled power plants. He said solar power development presents a problem for the area since the peak electric need is when the sun is going down. Battery storage capacity is necessary to extend the power available for the time it is in demand, but the current state of battery technology may not meet the actual needs.
Johnson commented that one of the major draws for industry in the Midwest is the energy cost, since the energy cost on the coasts is two to three times the local amount per kilowatt hour. If the cost doubles, as it is likely to do if coal power is eliminated, the low-income people will pay more of their available money for electricity, leaving less for other needed and wanted goods and services. That doesn't even address the probability of fewer available jobs because of the additional energy costs to business and industry.
The uncertainty in what will happen is causing problems. "In order to have a good solid business plan, you have to know what the rules are," he said.
At this time, the rules for the future are unknown. In addition, once the coal-fueled powered plants are shut down, he commented that the plan is to go after the natural gas-fueled power plants.
Johnson also commented that the electric co-op does not get credit for all of the conservation measures taken or the energy saving means taken.
It was announced that the dues have been paid to the MMRPC by MRED. Also announced was that one town in the county - Lupus - had paid its share of the MMRPC dues, $9.26 per resident. Kelley said Lupus has six residents.
A small implement company is still interested in a franchise dealer in the California area and a letter of support for the county has been sent. Financing may be an issue. Other entities have also expressed an interest in available locations in the county.
The time and place of the September meeting will be announced later.