IT’S THE “ROY BLUNT RESERVOIR”

North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission Votes Unanimously

to Name the East Locust Creek Reservoir in Honor of United States
Senator Roy Blunt
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Brad Scott
August 9, 2022 816-590-0264

MILAN, MO: At their regularly scheduled monthly meeting the North Central Missouri Regional
Water Commission (NCMRWC) voted unanimously to name the East Locust Creek Reservoir (ELCR)
in honor of Missouri’s senior Senator, Roy Blunt. Both the Sullivan County Commission and the
NCMRWC received a letter from Governor Mike Parson to consider naming the ELCR in honor of
retiring Senator Blunt. Chairman Harve Rhodes placed the issue on the agenda for consideration.
Breaking precedent, and with the permission of the Commissioners, the public was invited to share
their thoughts and opinions relative to the naming of reservoir before taking up the Resolution for
consideration.

Earlier this year, the NCMRWC adopted a naming convention guided by “Legacy” and “Heritage” to
honor the history and heritage of Sullivan County and to honor the legacy of the families and those
who supported the creation of the Reservoir. As a part of that, some 137 features that could or
should be named were identified.

Chairman Harve Rhodes, “Given the sustained and successful efforts of Senator Blunt leading to
approximately $80 million in funding for the reservoir, the Commission thought it entirely fitting to
honor Senator Blunt by naming the reservoir for him and his service to the reservoir and the region.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Governor Parson who has also been a hero in making the reservoir
a reality. I was glad to place consideration of the name change on the agenda”

Presiding Commissioner Chris May stated, “From the beginning of his tenure as our Senator, Roy
Blunt made the reservoir his top priority. I have personally witnessed the astounding work of the
Senator and his outstanding staff. Their efforts went far beyond the funding, which was
considerable itself. The Senator and/or his staff helped every step of the way.”
Brad Scott, General Manager of the NCMRWC stated, “The reservoir project got off the ground
thanks to the efforts of Senator Kit Bond. Senator Bond asked Senator Blunt to carry the banner for
the reservoir and he never wavered in his support. Truly, Senator Blunt’s efforts were astounding.
The project has been blessed by tremendous bi-partisan support of all of the elected officials that
represent the area.”

Upon being informed of the naming, Senator Blunt stated, “I’m very grateful to the North Central
Missouri Regional Water Commission for this honor. I want to thank everyone in the community,
both past and present, who helped make this project a reality. When you don’t have a reliable water
supply, it’s difficult for families, farmers, businesses, and school districts to plan for the future. The
reservoir will help provide that certainty, improving the quality of life and strengthening economic
development. I am committed to ensuring the federal government continues to make this project a
priority.”

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