Missouri Companies Awarded Economic Recovery Fund Contracts

Mark Twain National Forest awards $2,300,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contracts.

Mark Twain National Forest awarded $2,300,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) contracts March 2009 to improve forest roads and recreation sites.

Eight Missouri construction companies were awarded bids March 23, 2009 totalling $1,535,000 to provide gravel to Forest Service roads damaged by extreme weather over the last few years.

Jack Willman, Shell Knob, who was awarded a $344,000 aggregate contract, said the contract will keep his family-owned business open.

"This has been a blessing for us," Willman said. "This will put me back to work and another gentleman."

Joyce Gabel, Willow Springs, said their $75,000 aggregate contract will help them add two new trucks and hire a couple more people full-time.

Four other Missouri companies will get $169,000 to blade damaged forest roads.

Another $493,903 will provide installation of 25 low-maintenance toilet buildings at Forest Service campgrounds in 11 counties. New picnic tables, lamp posts and fire rings totaling $165,000 will also be installed in forest campgrounds, while another $25,000 will provide new signs.

"This will maintain jobs," according to KD Crushing, Mineral Point, who was awarded a $285,000 contract for gravel. "Right now a lot of little businesses are closed or closing. This will help keep our doors open."

"We're looking forward to working with these contractors to maintain and improve our forest roads and recreation facilities," said Mark Twain Forest Supervisor David Whittekiend.