[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E75-E76]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MERAMEC REGIONAL PLANNING 
                               COMMISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2019

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th 
Anniversary of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), 
officially established on January 23, 1969, by Governor Warren E. 
Hearnes. The first Board of Directors elected by MRPC were Salem Mayor 
Jack Masters as chairman; Leon Camillo, representative from Potosi, as 
vice chairman; Cuba Mayor John Brummet as secretary; and Vienna Mayor 
Travis John as treasurer. The scope of work has changed over the years, 
but the overall mission remains the same: To enhance the quality of 
life for the Meramec Region.
   The MRPC, currently serving the counties of Crawford, Dent, 
Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps and Pulaski, built a strong reputation 
throughout the area for its work in grant writing, economic 
development, community and emergency planning, small business loan 
assistance, housing rental assistance, and legislative advocacy on 
behalf of the region. These services are especially vital to small 
communities that often do not have the resources to compete with larger 
cities for grant funding.
   I congratulate MRPC on this milestone anniversary and appreciate the 
vital role they play in the quality of life in the Meramec Region. 
Today, it is my great privilege to recognize the Meramec Regional 
Planning Commission before the United States House of Representatives.

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