Post by Logan on Feb 19, 2016 11:55:03 GMT -6
Bill requiring sale of 4,200 state-owned acres advances to Missouri Senate
JEFFERSON CITY • In the market for 4,200 acres of wilderness and farmland along the scenic Eleven Point River? Start counting your money. The state might be selling it for cheap.
The Missouri House voted Thursday to force the Department of Natural Resources to sell the Oregon County land, which is near the Arkansas border. The department is using $11 million from settlements with lead mining companies to buy the property, and plans to turn it into a state park.
But lawmakers aren't so sure. Rep. Robert Ross, R-Yukon and the bill sponsor, has said all settlement money should be spent 100 miles north to clean up areas affected by lead mining. Plus, critics say the park plans have largely been drawn up in secret, with little consultation with local residents or lawmakers.
Rep. Shawn Rhoads, R-West Plains, said that the state overpaid for the land.
Read more: www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill-requiring-sale-of-state-owned-acres-advances-to-missouri/article_ba575a13-416e-5f7f-b853-526b1513c8f8.html
JEFFERSON CITY • In the market for 4,200 acres of wilderness and farmland along the scenic Eleven Point River? Start counting your money. The state might be selling it for cheap.
The Missouri House voted Thursday to force the Department of Natural Resources to sell the Oregon County land, which is near the Arkansas border. The department is using $11 million from settlements with lead mining companies to buy the property, and plans to turn it into a state park.
But lawmakers aren't so sure. Rep. Robert Ross, R-Yukon and the bill sponsor, has said all settlement money should be spent 100 miles north to clean up areas affected by lead mining. Plus, critics say the park plans have largely been drawn up in secret, with little consultation with local residents or lawmakers.
Rep. Shawn Rhoads, R-West Plains, said that the state overpaid for the land.
Read more: www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill-requiring-sale-of-state-owned-acres-advances-to-missouri/article_ba575a13-416e-5f7f-b853-526b1513c8f8.html