The Fine Print

With a little more time I have found some interesting statements in the letter the panel sent to Ameren with their recommendations for the $5 million.

We consciously made a decision early in the selection process to focus on building and repairing existing but resource-strapped entities, instead of land purchases and acquisition of new properties for environmental purposes.

We believe that our recommendations are entirely consistent with the criteria established in the FERC Stipulation and Consent Agreement and the Panel’s collective understanding of the local community and relative value to the community of each application. Therefore, we are confident that the recommended applications/projects are an appropriate and worthy use of the funds.

We have been thorough in our reviews, and believe we have collectively determined critical needs for the affected region of Reynolds and Iron Counties.

I still have problems with the process and the recommendations. I don't doubt that the panel worked hard, given the amount of requests and the short time line. But it still seems to me that many of these projects would have a hard time justifying their relationship to the FERC criteria. Having said all this I won't waste my time responding to Ameren or FERC on this matter. I will try to keep reporting on how the money is spent and what effect it has on the "quality of life".
Spring is here, it's time to get on with real life.