Simmons presents Jobs Now

The last time Missouri Department of Economic Development director Kelvin Simmons was in Cape Gir-ardeau, he was trying to rally support for Gov. Bob Holden's Jobs Now program initiative. Over four months later, Simmons returned to the city to present the recently-passed infrastructure improvement program in its current form to public officials and one especially interested private company.

Simmons was in town on Thursday to sit at the head of an economic development summit, hosted by Big River Telephone Company and attended by 10 public officials representing Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Marble Hill, Mo., and Sikeston, Mo. The purpose of the summit from Big River's point of view was not only to inform city officials of opportunities available to them through the legislation, but also to educate themselves as to how they get in on the action.

The Jobs Now Act will be funded by an annual savings of $12 million, which will be reallocated from the elimination of six tax credits. This money will go toward helping the government offer grants and low-interest loans to help create new jobs through improvements to Missouri's infrastructure.

Big River president Kevin Cantwell said that although the program is geared to helping public entities improve traditional infrastructure (water, electric, sewer, etc.), his private company is looking for a way to use those funds to help build its element of modern infrastructure. He said Big River's goal is to provide high-speed broadband networking to the entire Bootheel region.

Simmons responded to Cantwell's inquiry by agreeing that up-to-date information systems and networks are a vital part of building an infrastructure that will attract businesses and industry to Missouri. He also said that when these improvements are made, the entire community benefits. His answer to Big River's dilemma, was for the company to partner with the municipalities in applying for these monies.

Cape Girardeau mayor Jay Knudtson agreed that broadband is fast becoming an essential new element of infrastructure. He also agreed that often, the needs of the community in these high tech areas exceed the municipality's resources. In those instances, he said he could see the benefit of partnering with private industry to see that those needs are met.

trehagen@semissourian.com

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