County Commission DC Report

The Cass County Commission Pleased with DC Efforts;

Federal and State Grants Announced

Harrisonville, Missouri - The Cass County Commission has had a few inquiries regarding the commissioner's travel to Washington DC this past March. All three commissioners are pleased to provide citizens with information about their business in Washington DC.

The National Association of Counties (NaCO) holds their annual legislative conference in Washington DC every year. County officials from around the nation attend the event to discuss federal legislation and budget issues that will impact local governments.

Some facts about the trip:

• Commissioners arrived in Washington DC on Thursday evening (March 5) and prepared for meetings with Senator Bond, Representative Emmanuel Cleaver, and Representative Sam Graves on Friday morning. Commissioners also registered for the NACO Legislative Conference on Friday.


• Topics of discussion with Congressional leaders included...a foreign trade zone in Cass County that would work to create jobs; federal dollars for upgrading 71 Highway to Interstate status (I-49); the unfunded-federal mandate to upgrade all police, fire, and emergency communications by 2013 - this is a $15 million to $18 million cost to upgrade all police, fire, and emergency services in Cass County); discussion on federal grants to help Cass County compete for new businesses and jobs.


• On Saturday and Sunday, NaCO began sessions for county officials. All three commissioners attended meetings that included the following topics: improving technology services and providing information to citizens; public-private partnerships; agricultural issues both at the federal and state level; FEMA and how to acquire federal grants to improve emergency services; a special technology summit focused on efficiency in government services; energy resources and information; senior & health issues facing county governments; and much more.


• The Commissioners visited with Senator Claire McCaskill's staff and Representative Ike Skelton on Monday (March 9). That same day, the NaCO general session began with speakers from the White House, the Department of Energy, and various government officials presenting to the county officials.


• On Tuesday, the NaCO general session continued...with the Commissioners leaving on Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Cass County covered the hotel, meal, airline, and transportation costs of the all three County Commissioners with the total being $5,509.24. All three commissioners also stayed in regular contact with their local offices through email and phone.

Soon after the Commissioner returned it was announced by Representative Cleaver that Cass County would receive $378,500 for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Congressman Cleaver announced the grant to Cass County on April 2. Cass County is also pleased to get the Historic Preservation County Courthouse Grant that totals $80,000. Detailed information on these grants is coming soon.

The County Commission noted that this is the first time in recent history that Commissioners had met face-to-face with all the Congressional leaders who actually represent Cass County all at the same time. "We were able to sit...share our issues...and give a clear message to each of our leaders," stated Presiding Commissioner Gary Mallory. "Their staff members talk to each other and they will be discussing the needs of Cass County because we took the time to share with them directly."

Cass County Commissioner Brian Baker stated that it takes visits to Jefferson City and Washington DC to advocate for tax dollars that will improve our county. "Building relationships with our elected leaders both and the state and federal level allows the voices of Cass County to be heard. When we have the chance to apply for grants and bring our hard-earned tax dollars back to Cass County, then it is imperative we go to our state and national leaders and make our voices heard and build those relationships. When you look at the investment it takes to make that journey...and the result generates success like the Energy Efficiency Grant or the Historic Preservation Grants...then I can look the tax-payer in the eye and say we are working hard to bring your tax-dollars back home," stated Baker.

Baker noted that the Cass County Commission is working very hard to be an open-book. "We are glad to visit with citizens and share with them what we are doing...the question is 'How can we serve you today?'" Baker also invites citizens to call all three County Commissioners if they have questions about their efforts. "Gary and Bill and I have all agreed that we have a wide-open door for citizens. Come by and visit us anytime or give us a call."

Gary Mallory 816-380-8160 or garym@casscounty.com
Bill Cook 816-380-8158 or billc@casscounty.com
Brian Baker 816-380-8159 or brianb@casscounty.com