Monday, January 28, 2013

Infrastructure imperative to City's prosperity


Mayor Bill Jenks, III
Whenever we think of goals or resolutions for a new year, the word ‘prosper’ or ‘prosperity’ almost always seems to find its way into the discussion or conversation. So this week’s column is somewhat appropriately focused on how important our City’s infrastructure is to the prosperity of our community.
While some of my previous City Talk columns have included information about the vital role infrastructure projects and improvements play in the future prosperity of our community, there seems to currently be an abundance of examples that can illustrate this.
Let’s start with the new Public Works Services Park, located off McCutchen Drive, near the Rolla Recycling Center. This large area of land, once referred to as the Mead Property, is showing significant signs of development with the near completion of a new building that will house the Environmental Services Department’s Vehicle Maintenance Division and Solid Waste Division. A portion of this area will also be used as the future site of a new Animal Shelter, Street Division, and Traffic Engineering Division. But there is also additional land available for new industrial and business expansion for companies looking to located in this area.
 Another area where infrastructure improvements continue to be made is in the Blues Lake area located between Bridge School Road and Martin Springs Outer Drive. This area, which is home to Mercy Health Clinic, several clinics operated by Phelps County Regional  Medical Center, the Bond Clinic, now operated and owned by P.C.R.M.C., has developed into an impressive and attractive health and medical complex that will soon include a new 110-bed nursing home. The new Columbia College campus is also a great addition to this area. Most businesses and individuals thinking about locating to an area or community are typically very interested in the quality of health care and medical options available.
 In the not too distant future, significant improvements will be made to Hwy. V and the I-44 overpass at HyPoint Industrial Blvd. near Love’s Truck Stop. Wider ramps, new traffic lights, and expanded traffic lanes will all enhance this busy area, which serves not only as a strategic corridor for the trucking, travel and tourism industry that uses the Love’s Truck Stop area, but also all the commerce that takes place at HyPoint Industrial Park, located just around the bend. HyPoint Industrial park is home to such important businesses as Brewer Science, Inc., Mo-Sci, Fed-Ex, Coca Cola, Pepsi, and many others. Expansion is evident at HyPoint with the construction of a new 17,400-foot business expansion at MoSci that will add recognition, and additional employment opportunities for the area.
Infrastructure improvements planned for Rolla National Airport (located 13 miles north of Rolla off Hwy. 63 North), in the way of a new water tower, sanitary sewer systems, and electrical upgrades, will all enhance the marketability and desirability of the 1,200 acres that comprise RNA. These improvements will provide the necessary ground-work and foundation for the kind of new industrial and business development that is so vital to the economic development of the Rolla and Phelps County region.
From a residential perspective, vital infrastructure improvements are being made to the Basswood Drive area located off Hwy. 63 South. New storm sewers, new curb and gutter, new road beds and smooth streets will greatly enhance the aesthetics of this area and improve property values along the way.
By improving the City’s infrastructure, we improve our community, and become more prosperous. A prosperous community provides badly needed job opportunities where individuals can pursue and focus on meaningful employment opportunities and pursue the type of quality of life that benefits us all as a community. Rolla is getting stronger through solid, sustained infrastructure, and I believe the momentum for economic growth and prosperity is in our favor for 2013 and beyond. 

2013: Environmental Services Dept. List of Important Dates (Clip & Save)

Feb. 18, 2013 - President’s Day:  Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.
April 6, 2013 - Citywide Spring Clean Up:  Saturday - Citywide clean up day
(Residential only).
May 27, 2013 - Memorial Day:  Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.
 July 4, 2013 - Independence Day:  Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.
Sept. 2, 2013 - Labor Day:  Monday’s trash will be picked up Tuesday; Tuesday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.
Nov. 28, 2013 – Thanksgiving Day:  Thursday’s trash will be picked up Wednesday.
Dec. 25, 2013 – Christmas Day:  Trash service will not change.
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Holidays NOT affecting trash or recycling collection:
            Oct. 14, 2013 – Columbus Day
            Nov. 11, 2013 – Veteran’s Day
            Nov. 29, 2013 – Day after Thanksgiving  
   Have a nice weekend and a safe week!

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