Attorney General's News Release

December 19, 2007

Nixon seeks applications for regional board to oversee funding from Ameren settlement for tourism, economic development

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon is encouraging applications from anyone interested in serving on a regional board to help promote tourism and economic development in areas impacted by the 2005 collapse of the Taum Sauk reservoir. The nine-member board, established as part of the $179 million settlement between the State of Missouri and Ameren, will oversee $7 million from the settlement for tourism and economic development.

“One of my primary goals all along was to ensure fair recompense for not only the State of Missouri, but also the people most directly affected by the reservoir collapse,” Nixon said. “I have floated, fished and swam in the pristine waters of the Black River and its forks my entire life. I know how important it is to provide this assistance to benefit area residents and businesses in recovering from this disaster.

“The fund set up through the settlement will help with the continued recovery of this part of the state that depends so heavily on visitors coming here from around the region, from other parts of Missouri and from the entire Midwest,” Nixon said. “I will continue to do everything in my power to help with that effort.”

Those interested in serving on the regional board may download an application form from Nixon’s Web site, ago.mo.gov, or call 573-751-8828 to have an application mailed to them. Applications should be submitted via mail to the Attorney General’s Office and must be postmarked by Jan. 11, 2008 for consideration.

Download the Taum Sauk board application

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to the Press Secretary.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818