BRPC receives $20,000 donation from dissolved organization

It has been a couple of years since the Bootheel Resource and Economic Division (BRED) dissolved; but, even with the passing of two years, the organization has still found a way to make a difference.

Frank Sifford, who served as the Vice President for the BRED, presented a $20,000 check to the Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission on Monday morning.

"I told Willard (Adams, BRPC regional planner) that I would get some funds to the BRPC," Sifford remarked. "I think he was kind of wondering if it was going to happen."

Sifford explained that the BRED was funded through various government grants. It was formed approximately 15 years ago, but funding cuts forced the organization to dissolve.

"Down through the years, we did a lot of projects," Sifford said. "We allocated money for Co-Ops, and for economic development projects. We got that money from writing grants to different organizations. But when our funding got cut, we lost our director. We had no choice but to dissolve."

Sifford said the BRED was able to successfully manage its funds, and had approximately $70,000-$75,000 available.

As a result, Sifford was able to write a check for $20,000. Of that money, $10,000 is set aside for the Bootheel Solid Waste District, and the other $10,000 goes to the BRPC.

"The original design of (BRED) was to put money back into the area for economic development," Sifford remarked. "Even though we haven't been able to do anything for the past couple years, I'm glad to see this money is still going to be put to use for the Bootheel area."

BRED covered the same six-county region as BRPC. Sifford explained that other funds would be likewise disseminated to other Bootheel organizations.

"Some money will be going to the Food Bank in Sikeston," Sifford remarked. "They service the same six counties, so it will be good to get them some money too."