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Green Hills Regional Planning Commission Quarterly Newsletter January - March 2025
Regional Spotlight
The City of Chillicothe is the recipient of $268,000 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program through the Missouri Department of Economic Development for a demolition project This award will provide funding for the demolition of 17 dilapidated residential buildings and 1 commercial building within the city. Green Hills Regional Planning Commission assisted the city by providing grant writing services and will further assist by providing administration services to ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines throughout the project’s implementation. This project is a key initiative designed to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal, improve public safety, and promote economic growth by removing abandoned and unsafe structures. This project aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents.
The City of Green City was awarded $497,500 in grant funding for street improvements through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Green City will provide $50,000 in matching funds for this street improvement project. Green Hills Regional Planning Commission assisted the city by providing grant writing services and will serve as the grant administrator. GHRPC will be responsible for oversight and compliance, both state and federally, of this project. Allstate Consultants provided engineering design and inspection services to the city for this project. This funding will support resurfacing and reconstruction of several key streets in Green City. In addition to improving street surfaces, this project will also improve ditches and drainage systems that have caused persistent flooding issues and deterioration in the past.
An Update from the Executive Director
Lisa Colson
As you may have heard many federal programs are currently paused and program staff have limited travel availability at this time. GHRPC’s funding to provide services to the region have not been affected. It is unknown at this time what, if any, changes will be made to grant and loan programs that can be accessed to benefit the region. GHRPC will continue to communicate with state and federal agencies as we strive to connect resources to our communities. Please continue to contact GHRPC staff with your projects and development needs. We have communicated to regional agencies that our staff is able to travel with IT equipment that will enable federal staff to join meetings via web which will allow us to continue to develop much needed infrastructure projects. Please reach out with any questions you may have at this time.
Thank you!
NW Missouri Association of Commissioners Meeting - Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Putnam County GHRPC/Solid Waste/Transportation/ Rural Development, Inc. Board Meetings Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 1104 Main, Trenton, MO 10:00AM-1:30PM (agenda will be mailed to board members) USDA Rise Business Support Roundtable - Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 11:30AM to 1:00PM. For more information contact Rebecca CDBG Public Hearing - Thursday, April 3, 2025, 5:00PM to 6:00PM 1104 Main St., Trenton, MO Banned and Special Item Collection Event - April 26, 2025 9AM - 12PM, District wide collection event in Carrollton, 22980 CR 280. Accepted items include: tires, appliances, electronics, household hazardous waste including paint, oil, stains, pesticides, etc., batteries and scrap metal. A comprehensive list can be found on the GHRPC website. Pesticide Collection Event - October 4, 2025. The district will be partnering with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for a free pesticide collection in Chillicothe. This will give the patrons of the state a way to dispose of old pesticides and herbicides at no cost. The location will be announced at a later date.
GREEN HILLS REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
FRONT DESK 660-359-5636 EXT.15
www.ghrpc.org
810 Washington St. Trenton, MO 64683
Green Hills RPC Highlights
Great Northwest Days at the Capitol Staff of GHRPC attended Great Northwest Days (From left: Rebecca TenHulzen, Amanda George, Lisa Colson, & Ann Hamilton). This event is held to offer opportunities for meeting face-to-face with our legislators and elected officials and presenting priorities of the Northwest District of Missouri.
Emergency Management Grundy County through GHRPC received 11 radios from the Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committee (RHSOC), these radios will be used to improve capabilities in the Laredo and Galt fire protection districts. State Homeland Security Program Grants will be opening soon. If you would like to enhance existing capabilities contact Glen at GHRPC to get started.
We Need Your Input!
Celebrating the Holidays
Statewide Planning Partner Meeting: 2025
Green Hills Regional Planning Commission staff enjoyed having lunch together prior to the staff Christmas Party.
Lisa Colson & Amanda George attended the planning partner meeting in Jefferson City on Feb. 27th. The new Commissioner of MoDOT, Ed Hassinger (pictured) spoke to the planning partners in Missouri. He provided an executive update and other topics discussed included the STIP, I-70 progress, and MoDOT’s financial update.
As part of the Show Me Jobs Initiative and RISE Program, we are conducting a survey to better understand the challenges, opportunities, and resource needs of agribusinesses in the Green Hills Region. Your insights will help shape solutions that support businesses like yours - creating jobs, increasing sales, fostering new ventures, and strengthening our local economy. Take the Survey Today!
Solid Waste Program Grant Awards The North Missouri Solid Waste Management District Region B provides financial assistance to cities, counties, non-profits, and other organizations that will develop new or improved programs that will reduce the generation of solid waste, will create new markets or improve markets for recovered material, or will improve the handling of items banned from landfills by Missouri law. Current grant awards include: The House of Prayer Mission Thrift Store in Chillicothe received grant funding for $20,000 to purchase a new baler for their operation to divert textiles from the landfill. The City of Mercer will be receiving grant funding in the amount of $1,440 to rotate a recycling trailer in Mercer County. Sullivan County will be receiving grant funding in the amount of $20,000 to purchase cargo containers and to pay for banned and special item disposal. This will serve the patrons of the North Missouri Solid Waste District on the eastern side of the region.
GHRPC’s Transportation Planning staff are gearing up to perform sidewalk surveys for communities. Through MoDOT funding GHRPC purchased the equipment that will allow us to map and rate the condition of the sidewalks and pedestrian walkways in a community. The device utilizes GIS location services to build a map of your community’s sidewalks to assist with maintenance planning and data to support grant applications. We also have pedestrian counters that we can place in areas that need supporting data to identify pedestrian volume. These applications would be very useful to include in MoDOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grants, support Multi-Modal needs of your community, and identify unsafe intersections and assist with ADA improvements. Please contact Amanda to schedule services.
Promoting Roadway Safety In partnership with the Missouri Coalition of Roadway Safety Green Hills Regional Planning Commission attended a safety event at the Novinger, Missouri High School during the MSHAA Basketball Tournament on December 3, 2024. The Coalition of Roadway Safety was there to demonstrate the dangers of driving under the influence by using the “Drunk Goggles”, promoting safe driving for teens, and signing people up to participate in Buckle-Up Phone-Down Day. It is through outreach efforts like this that GHRPC and the Northwest Coalition of Roadway Safety are promoting Show-Me Zero, MoDOT’s safety campaign, with the goal of eliminating fatalities in Missouri.
Earth Day Poster Contest 2025 North Missouri Solid Waste Management District Region B is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Earth Day Poster Contest for all school age children. The theme for 2025 is Composting. A 1st and 2nd place winner from each grade group will be selected, unless combined due to low submission numbers. Winners will receive a gift and a certificate in recognition of their achievement. Submissions need to be received by April 22nd, and the size cannot exceed an 11" X 17" poster board. Call Brandy if you would like to arrange for the district to pick up the posters. For more information:
School Outreach Available Green Hills Regional Planning Commission is pleased to announce that we have outreach programs available for area schools. The Solid Waste Management District Region B and the Transportation Department at GHRPC are coordinating outreach and technical assistance to schools and organizations in the region. Solid waste and transportation presentations are tailored to different age groups and provide information on subjects from the benefits of recycling to pedestrian and bike safety and safe driving programs. Area schools that would like to schedule an event should contact Brandy.
Resources Staff Directory
Lisa Colson Executive Director lisa@ghrpc.org 660-953-1471 or 660-359-5636
Dana Devore Grant Administration & Code Enforcement Officer dana@ghrpc.org (660) 216-0707
Ann Hamilton Fiscal Director & Solid Waste Program Manager ann@ghrpc.org (660) 359-5636 ext. 24
Ashley Hintz Grant Administration ashley@ghrpc.org (660) 359-5636 ext. 19
Amanda George Transportation Planner & Hazard Mitigation Specialist amanda@ghrpc.org (660) 359-5636 ext. 11
Glen Briggs Office Manager & Emergency Planner glen@ghrpc.org (660) 359-5636 ext. 15
Rebecca TenHulzen Community & Economic Development Planner rebecca@ghrpc.org (660) 359-5636 ext. 18
Brandy Jones Program Administrator brandy@ghrpc.org (660) 359-5636 ext. 20
Colleen Hinshaw Code Enforcement Officer colleen@ghrpc.org (660) 240-1975
Cassy Gier Code Enforcement Officer codes1@ghrpc.org (660) 359-5636 ext. 13
Economic Development & Workforce Resources Take a ride on the MOSourceLink Resource Rail and connect with Ag Resources Statewide Interested in finding educational, vocational, and work readiness resources to improve the economic climate of our region? Click here!
GHRPC.org Find us on Facebook and be sure to follow!
CDBG Deadline The deadline for CDBG applications is approaching fast and staff are not developing new projects at this time. However, once current projects have been submitted for the April 2025 grant cycle, staff will begin developing new projects for the April 2026 grant cycle. We will be able to attend meetings to develop new projects in MID-May. Please call 660-3595636 to schedule a project development meeting to discuss your project. CDBG funds many different activities across 3 categories: General Infrastructure, Community Facilities, & Demolition with a minimum funding request of $25,000 and maximum of $500,000 CDBG staff is holding a public hearing:
April 3rd in Trenton 1104 Main St. 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM This meeting will be a great opportunity to ask questions and find out what type of funding is available for your community! Eligible CDBG Activities (Activities may be components of a larger project)
Airports Rail Spurs Site Preparation Water Meters Storm Sewers Property Acquisition Streets (or Roads) Parks & Recreation Facilities
Natural Gas Lines Lighting Purchase Land/Building Fire Protection Facility/Equipment Sidewalks Demolition Street Accessories Other Utilities
Green Hills Regional Planning Commission 810 Washington St. Trenton, MO 64683
Electrical Distribution Lines Security Fencing 911 Emergency Systems Bridges Senior Centers Asbestos/Lead Testing & Abatement Parking Facilities
