Congressman Cleaver fights for innovative Jackson County funding
Congressman Cleaver, II introduced an amendment that proposed an innovative and unique solution to help budget strapped Jackson County. The amendment had the potential of contributing nearly $10 million ($9,596,611.61) to improvements and maintenance at Blue Springs, Longview Lakes. The Cleaver amendment was one of 25 amendments to H.R. 1262, the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009 considered by the Rules Committee. Ultimately the Rules Committee ruled the amendment out of order.
The two lakes, while operated by Jackson County Parks and Recreation are actually leased from the Corps of Engineers for a period of 50 years. In short, the amendment ordered that half of the County’s future payments to the Corp of Engineers be redirected to capitol improvements, flood control, maintenance and upkeep on the properties.
Even with the redirection, the plan would provide the Army Corps with over $6.5 million ($6,504.447.80) in surplus over cost during the remaining course of the lease. From this reinvestment, Longview Lake would receive $5.3 million ($5, 294, 483.88) of redirected payments and Blue Springs Lake would receive $4.3 million ($4,302,127.74) as part of the plan.
“This idea is a win-win. The Corp of Engineers is fully reimbursed for its initial outlay of funds with interest, and the County gets to re-invest some of the funds it is contractually obligated to pay into these two great Jackson County assets,” said Congressman Cleaver, “The Rules Committee may have ruled this attempt out of order but I am going to keep trying. The idea makes a great deal of sense and I look forward to working with County Executive Sanders as we continue to fight to make it work.”
“We have been working very closely with Congressman Cleaver and his staff on this proposed plan,” said Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders, “We appreciate the time and commitment that the Congressman has put forth on behalf of the citizens of Jackson County. We are hopeful that his continued effort on this creative and equitable plan will succeed; the results of which, will be seen and enjoyed at Blue Springs Lake, Longview Lake and throughout our parks system for years to come.”
Under the plan proposed by Congressman Cleaver:
Longview Lake:
Total Balance Remaining on the Lease: $10,588,967.77
With Amendment Total to be Paid to Corp: $12,962,357.10
Reinvestment in County with Amendment: $5,294,483.88 (50% of balance)
Surplus to Army Corp Over Costs: $3,852,664.10
Blue Springs Lake:
Total Balance Remaining on the Lease: $8,604,255.46
With Amendment Total to be Paid to Corp: $9,575,703.70
Reinvestment in County with Amendment: $4,302,127.73 (50% of balance)
Surplus to Army Corp Over Costs: $2,651,783.70