Friday, July 8, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, (573) 751-0290
Blunt Recommends Consolidation of Mapping Center in Rolla
JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt recommends that the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) Mid-Continent Mapping Center (MCMC) in Rolla is an ideal location for the consolidated National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC).
USGS is planning to consolidate its five mapping centers into one operation center. Blunt contends that the USGS will need a location that is capable of providing space needed at a reasonable cost and a central location to perform the functions of the current offices. The governor believes Rolla is capable of providing the necessary land for current and future plans for expansions as well as associated employee levels at low costs.
Rolla is 30 miles from Fort Leonard Wood, and MCMC has forged strong ties with the University of Missouri- Rolla (UMR) and Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) to offer an on-site certificate program at MCMC for USGS employees, which can expand to a full master’s and possibly doctorate degree.
A unique alliance with key partners in central Missouri has already been developed at MCMC. MCMC, the Army’s Terrain Visualization Center and TRADOC Program Integration Office for Terrain Data at Fort Leonard Wood, UMR, SMSU, University of Missouri- Columbia, and the National Geospatial Intelligence in St. Louis have joined forces to provide geospatial research, development, and operational capabilities. The alliance also provides a significant physical infrastructure in support of homeland security and defense related functions.
Blunt contends that consolidating the NGTOC at Rolla makes sense because of the close proximity to Fort Leonard Wood, the alliance already in place in central Missouri, and the fact that Rolla is capable of providing the needed infrastructure and employees at reasonable costs.
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