WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today expressed dismay and anger at the proposed closure of an important United States Geological Survey (USGS) mapping center in Rolla, Missouri.

 

“A lot of people have worked very hard at all levels of government to expand the role of the Rolla facility and reward the well-qualified employees there for their hard work.  There are important partnerships in place between the USGS facility, the city of Rolla, the University of Missouri at Rolla, Fort Leonard Wood, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in St. Louis the state of Missouri.  It is an absolute shame to waste all of those strong partnerships,” Emerson said.  “These are important jobs, this is important work and there is no reason to make a change this drastic and harmful to our rural community.”

 

Earlier this year in February, Emerson asked the USGS to consolidate five regional mapping centers in Rolla or to not move any of them.  Missouri Senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent joined her in an effort to consolidate regional mapping centers in Rolla at that time.

 

“I don’t even think USGS knows exactly how important the Rolla center is to the local economy.  The quality of work done there is excellent.  The employees are the best in the country, and Rolla is their home.  Closing the center is unnecessary and callous, and I will fight the decision every step of the way,” Emerson said. 

 

The Rolla mapping center’s central location, low overhead operating costs and quality workforce have been touted many times in the past as selling points for the facility.  It is one of the largest employers in Rolla.

 

“To say I am disappointed with the USGS decision would be a major understatement,” Emerson said.  “I am furious.”