MonticelloLive

MonticelloLive is posting excerpts from Truman Hamilton’s recent Director’s report, as it was presented to the MEDC.  Thanks to Truman for making this information available.  This is a good way to let MonticelloLive readers know of the many projects that the MEDC is a part of.

Community Center and Pool—I have been asked to initiate a committee to study the feasibility of construction of a community center with an indoor pool: specifically the cost of maintenance and operation.  When a community center was first considered by the council, there was not enough known about the long term cost of operation. It was feared that high operational costs would be too burdensome on the city budget. I am in the process of getting data from cities that have community centers with indoor pools.  

DRA (Delta Regional Authority)—I attended a Delta Regional Authority meeting at Pine Bluff, Friday March 28, 2008 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center with Monticello Mayor Joe Rogers and Drew County Judge Damon Lampkin.  Johnnie Bolin, Executive Director of the Arkansas Good Roads Transportation Council and I cornered William Triplett, Senior Advisor to the Federal Co-Chairman after the meeting and made certain that he was aware of the transportation needs in Southeast Arkansas.  I will follow up with a letter that outlines the needs we brought to his attention.  Mr. Triplett and his staff report directly to Congress. I think it important that our Washington Congressional Delegation hear the same requests from every available source. The DRA in the first six years has funded 385 projects that totaled $56 million using DRA funds. These grants are “earmarked” for specific projects.  Information that was presented at the meeting is included in this month’s book.