February 23, 2009
Gov. Nixon names operational directors for Transform Missouri Initiative; directors to identify programs and projects to maximize Recovery Act benefits
Gov. Nixon launches Transform.mo.gov as Missouri portal for economic recovery projects, ideas, stories
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today launched Transform.mo.gov, a centralized Web site where Missourians, non-profit organizations, local governments, businesses and others can submit proposals for projects that will use federal recovery dollars to create Missouri jobs and transform the state's economy for the 21st century. The Web site will serve as the online hub for the Governor's Transform Missouri Initiative, which will oversee the state's planning and coordination to maximize the benefit of the federal recovery package.
"During these difficult economic times, we need fresh ideas about projects that will create jobs for Missourians and transform our economy for the 21st century, and I know that many of the best ideas will come from outside the halls of government," Gov. Nixon said. "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has given us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use these funds to develop our human capital through education and training, to enhance our information and transportation infrastructure and to embrace high-tech, emerging technologies. As federal dollars become available, states that are prepared and ready to go will be in the best position to benefit from these funds. The ideas we receive through Transform.mo.gov will ensure that Missouri is ready to compete, ready to create jobs and ready to transform our economy."
On the Transform.mo.gov Web site, individuals and groups from across Missouri can submit proposals for projects that could benefit from federal recovery dollars. All these proposals will be collected and reviewed by the staff of the Transform Missouri Initiative, and the ideas will be forwarded to relevant federal, state and local agencies, departments and officials. As the federal government establishes an official application process for various funds and projects, Transform Missouri Initiative personnel will assist in providing information about the procedure to those who submit eligible proposals.
Missourians also can submit general ideas about opportunities for economic growth and recovery in the state, and they can share their individual stories about the impact of the nation's economic crisis and the importance of these transformation efforts.
"As we work together to transform Missouri's economy, we must begin a real conversation about our priorities, our shared values and our opportunities for economic growth," Gov. Nixon said. "The Transform Missouri Initiative and this interactive Web site will play an important role in this process."
On Friday, Gov. Nixon signed Executive Order 09-12, which establishes the Transform Missouri Initiative to identify state programs and projects that could benefit from recovery act funds and to develop a coordinated plan to maximize the benefit of the act's resources. Directors of various executive branch departments will assign employees who are familiar with the recovery act and the state procurement process to assist with the Initiative.
Gov. Nixon has appointed the following key advisers to serve as operational directors for the Transform Missouri Initiative: Jeff Harris, policy director, Office of the Governor; Linda Luebbering, state budget director; and Paul Wilson, senior counsel to the Governor for budget and finance. The Initiative will expire on July 1, 2009, unless extended by Executive Order.
Over the coming weeks and months, additional information and resources will be added to the Transform.mo.gov Web site. Gov. Nixon encourages Missourians to check back often for updates.
Visit Transform.mo.gov