[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 157 (Monday, November 3, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S13804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BOND:
  S. 1814. A bill to transfer lands between the Secretary of 
Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior; to the Committee on 
Environment and Public Works.
  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation that 
will transfer the control of the Mingo Job Corps Center to the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture to be administered by the U.S. Forest 
Service. Since its inception, the Center has served at-risk youth by 
providing a facility where students can complete their secondary 
education and serve the local area through community service projects. 
The Department of Labor has expressed their plans to contract out 
operations of the Mingo Center, which is currently administered by the 
Fish and Wildlife Service, an action that would greatly increase the 
chances for the permanent closure of the facility.
  The Mingo Job Corps Center has been extremely successful in southern 
Missouri. For over 40 years, the Center has been a place for students 
to complete their education, learn a trade, and serve the community. 
Through the Center, students master trades from auto repair to fire 
fighting, from carpentry to culinary arts, and from bricklaying to 
business. The closure of the facility would mean 250 students would not 
be able to receive their High School Diploma, GED, or learn the skills 
necessary to earn gainful employment.
  For over 40 years the Center has made a substantial contribution to 
the community through service projects. Mingo students have 
participated in national projects such as the recovery of the space 
shuttle Columbia and fighting western forest fires. However, the main 
impact of their activities are felt locally in southern Missouri. Each 
year the Mingo Job Corps completes over $1 million worth of community 
and conservation projects. These projects include construction of the 
Poplar Bluff Forest Service District Office, construction of many 
Puxico School buildings, and the painting and repair of furniture at 
various local schools.
  The Mingo Job Corps Training Center is truly an invaluable asset to 
the State of Missouri that must be preserved. Last year, with the help 
of Congresswomen Jo Ann Emerson, I secured a commitment from the USDA 
to have the Forest Service assume operation of the Mingo Job Corps 
Center. However, now it has become necessary for this transfer to be 
handled legislatively. My legislation will ensure that the Center will 
continue to be a positive force that shapes the lives of our youth. Our 
economy and the kids who depend upon this facility will remain the real 
winners here.

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