WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today pressed officials from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) about reported plans to downsize the USGS Mapping Division in Rolla, Missouri.

 

Last Friday, Emerson visited the USGS mapping Division to hear employee concerns.  While there, she vowed to fight any prospective cuts.

 

“I am extremely disturbed that the USGS may be cutting jobs.  The Mapping Division is a major employer in Rolla and these jobs are extremely important to the community.”

This morning, at the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, Emerson asked Secretary of the Interior Gayle Norton about the possible cuts.

 

Later this afternoon, Emerson met with USGS officials privately in her Washington office.

 

“The goal of our meeting was to explore solutions with USGS beyond letting these folks at Rolla go.  To that end, I think we have got the ball rolling with some productive discussions.  More training, more partnerships, and consolidating mapping operations from other agencies may help alleviate the pressure USGS feels to trim its workforce in Rolla.  I can’t make any promises, other than the fact that I am determined to see this through,” Emerson said.