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Springfield, MO
Christian County is moving forward on a long-held goal of a larger government campus.
The Christian County Commission in a news release signaled plans to start on Phase I of a 10- to 20-year project that would relocate the government to a 39-acre parcel from the downtown Ozark square, where it's been for more than a century. The Christian County government around two years ago bought the land near Jackson and 25th streets, just west of U.S. Highway 65.
“At this moment, the county finds itself in a position to move forward with an initial phase of development," Christian County Presiding Commissioner Ralph Phillips said in the release. "We are happy to be working with the city of Ozark to finalize plans for the platting and infrastructure planning."
The first phase of the project calls for the relocation of county departments currently located at 1106 W. Jackson St.; relocation of the county's recycling center; the installation of water, sewer and stormwater management infrastructure; the creation of a half-mile walking trail; and the development of a detention basis that would serve as a small outdoor venue for public gatherings.
Great River Engineering is on board for the project. Development costs were not disclosed in the release.
The county does not anticipate needing to use the entire 39-acre tract. The commission has developed a plan, working with the Show Me Christian County economic development organization, to create four ready-made commercial sites along the perimeter of the parcel, according to the release.
"This project’s growth will rely on proactive collaboration, communication and partnership, and I think we have a great team in place across organizations to get it done," Phillips said in the release.
Phillips added in the release that special financing, such as loans, bonds or tax initiatives, would not be needed for Phase I of the project. He said the county would invest an undisclosed portion of its American Rescue Plan Act funds and use proceeds of the sale of current government properties that will be vacated.
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