Mr. Wagner Goes to Washington

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The recent trip to Washington, DC, for the Congressman Aaron Schock Fly-In was a very productive event for GREDF and our region. Mayor Kyle Moore, Amy Looten, Executive Director of the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, and GREDF’s own Marcel Wagner traveled together and had the opportunity to discuss important issues facing our region with a number of legislators.

2013 July Congressman Aaron Schock Fly InTo prepare for the Washington trip, the GREDF staff prepared a document entitled, Critical Issues for the Quincy and Adams County Region, to present to legislators. Key issues highlighted in the document include:Presentations from Congressional Representatives and Senators provided insights into how national issues impact Quincy and Adams County.

  • Funding for local workforce programs
  • Tri-State Highway Priorities including the completion of the Macomb Bypass
  • TIGER 5 Grant Application on behalf of the Mid America Intermodal Authority Port District
  • USDA Great Region designation
  • M-94 Corridor (Upper Mississippi Connector) Marine Highway designation
  • Water Resources Development Act of 2013 passage and funding

While in Washington, Mayor Moore joined Marcel in a meeting with Patrick Souders, Chief of Staff for Senator Dick Durbin, to discuss issues and opportunities facing the Quincy and Adams County region, including those highlighted in our Critical Issues document. During the meeting, Marcel emphasized the need for these issues to be addressed to ensure the long-term growth and success of our city, county and region.

The action-packed trip also included GREDF meetings with the Chief of Staff for Congressman Joe Kline of Minnesota; a representative from the Office of Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin; and Congressman Rod Davis of Illinois. These three states along the Mississippi River share concerns about the critical importance of our lock and dam infrastructure and how the future of the inland waterways system is key to the long-term strength and security of the nation.

We look forward to continuing the discussion about the critical issues facing our region with our elected leaders at home, in Springfield and in Washington.