Norris REA Tribute Plan Advances
(Source: http://goo.gl/LJXWV6)
Bruce Baker, Tuesday, November 5, 2013
McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook City Council granted preliminary approval for a group to use city property, located between two of the area's largest retail businesses, for the construction of a memorial paying tribute to the Rural Electrification Administration and former U.S. Senator George W. Norris.
The city owned property, nestled between Plains Equipment Group and Walmart, borders the busiest intersection in McCook, the junction of U.S. Highway 83 and U.S. Highway 6 & 34.
Chairman of the George W. Norris Foundation, Gene Morris of McCook, said the project would honor the primary booster for rural electrification, George Norris. Morris said the memorial would provide a sculptural or architectural light fixture to serve as a tourist attraction and more importantly "honor Norris for his part in rural electrification."
Morris said those working on the project were aware of how mindful they needed to be of restrictions placed on the property, due to the site being a former landfill. The property is restricted from use until 2027 by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, according to Morris, who said exceptions for special use were available. Morris also said he believed future industrial use of the property was extremely unlikely because of problems stemming from the site being a former landfill.
McCook engineer Greg Wolford agreed and said it would not be economically feasible for a business to build on the property.
"I don't see a heavy structure ever going on there, it doesn't make sense," said Wolford.
The meeting agenda indicated the project would have "no fiscal impact at this time" to the city and Morris said councilors would have total discretion on final design of the project.
Morris said the project was in the preliminary stages, but grants were pending, gifted donations had already been pledged from various organizations, and discussions were taking place with an architect firm indicating they would be willing to donate services.
Norris said he estimated it to be at least a two year project and would probably incorporate a park area around it for ease of viewing. Council gave no indication they would require the Norris project seek the approval of the Parks Advisory Board, as they have in recent months with similar requests from organizations seeking preliminary approval of projects or use of city property.
The item was subsequently approved on a unanimous 4-0 decision, Mayor Dennis Berry was absent from Monday's city council meeting.