JEFFERSON CITY—Today, Senator Ron Richard, R-Joplin, along with Senators Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis; Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors; and seven other members, filed Senate Bill 519 to help ensure the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) remains in St. Louis. The agency, which has more than 3,100 employees, is looking to move from its current South St. Louis City home and is considering several different St. Louis-area locations, including Illinois’ St. Clair County, for a brand new high-tech facility.
“The City of St. Louis can’t afford to lose the quality jobs or benefits to the local economy that NGA provides,” said Sen. Richard. “Senate Bill 519 would make way for the revitalization of a blighted neighborhood, foster economic development and will not only keep high-paying jobs in Missouri, but create new ones as well.”
As evidenced by the measure’s sponsors, Senate Bill 519 is a piece of legislation that members from both parties support and are eager to see passed.
“I’m so pleased that my district has the opportunity to benefit from the high-caliber jobs the NGA provides. This is exactly the type of economic development that has the ability to generate a reliable stream of revenue for the local economy for years to come,” offered Sen. Nasheed.
Specifically, the measure provides for tax increment financing (TIF) for blighted areas in the City of St. Louis that border former public housing sites and may lead to the retention or expansion of over 2,000 geospatial-intelligence jobs. The legislation corresponds to one of the final four areas NGA is considering: an old, largely vacant, north St. Louis neighborhood that borders the failed federal Pruitt-Igoe housing complex, which was demolished in the 1970’s.
NGA is headquartered in Springfield, Va. and has two major locations in St. Louis and Arnold, Mo. The NGA’s new facility would expand its current employee base to approximately 7,000 employees. The average NGA salary is $75,000, and generates $2.4 million in revenue for the City of St. Louis through the earnings tax.
“Senate Bill 519 shows the NGA we’re very serious about keeping them in St. Louis for the long-haul, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this necessary legislation passed,” Sen. Richard said.
Senator Walsh echoed Sen. Richard’s comments, saying, “The federal government provides good jobs with excellent employee benefits, and we want them to know we’re serious about keeping their business and jobs here in the Show-Me State.”
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency provides crucial geospatial, or map-based, intelligence to the military, policymakers, first responders and intelligence professionals.
For more information on Senate Bill 519 or any of Sen. Richard’s legislation, please visit his Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/richard. |
