PORT BOARD STUDIES ITS BUDGET PLAN

SCOTT CITY - Commissioners of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority Monday reviewed a proposed budget of about $250,000 for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Board treasurer Mysie Keene, who presented the proposed budget, said that for the first nine months of this fiscal year the port had spent 65.38 percent of its budget. Keene said overall for the year the port authority will wind up spending less than it had budgeted.

Chairman Morty Potashnick said that in most budget categories for the present fiscal year, expenditures are less than anticipated.

"I think this shows we really handled our money well last year," said Potashnick. "Most items are under budget."

The budget for the present fiscal year is $231,700.

The board also approved an administrative grant request from the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department for fiscal year 1993 of $50,000. Because of budget cuts and withholdings, the SEMO Port received $36,492 this fiscal year.

Executive Director Allan Maki reported that CWR Construction of Little Rock, Ark., is back at work trying to complete Phase I of the rail spur construction. Maki said about 500,000 of the 650,000 yards of dirt that need to be moved have already been moved. He said the company is working seven days a week to get finished.

Maki also reported that an Economic Development Administration grant for infrastructure improvements at the port has cleared the regional office in Denver. Maki said the application now goes to Washington, where he is optimistic final approval will come in 30 to 60 days.