News Release 107

THE REYNOLDS COUNTY
EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT FUND INC. MEETS MARCH 14

Group will oversee spending of $3 million from Taum Sauk settlement

Volume 36-107

Contact: Connie Patterson

(For immediate release)

573-751-1010

JEFFERSON CITY, MARCH 10, 2008 -- The Reynolds County Educational Enrichment Fund Inc. will hold its first meeting March 14.  The group, which consists of nine people nominated by the four school districts in Reynolds County, will oversee the spending of $3 million from the Taum Sauk settlement.  The meeting is open to the public.

"This is one of the positive things coming out of the settlement for the local community," said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers.  "We are very pleased that these board members are willing to serve their community in this manner and expect that local students will see many positive results from their efforts."

A regional education fund was suggested by the department during settlement discussions with Ameren as a means of providing long-term and positive economic impacts for the community.  "We emphasized that a comprehensive representation of the education community was necessary and support having someone from each school district in the area included on the board," Childers said.  "Long-term, we fully expect it to be one of the most productive parts of the Taum Sauk settlement for the region."

The nine-member board of directors represents Bunker R-III, Southern Reynolds County R-II, Centerville R-I and Lesterville R-IV school districts. Members are Lee Ferber, Gary Gant, Mike Harper, Melinda Hathcoat, Tommy Holland, Dee McCormack, Ben Meredith, Terry Patterson and Mike Williams.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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