Date: 7/8/11

For More Information Contact:
Melanie Smith 
Assistant City Manager
(660) 627-1224

FORENSICS TESTING LAB BEING CONSIDERED BY LOCAL INVESTORS

(Kirksville, MO) – The future of a forensics laboratory in Kirksville has taken a new direction recently. This new direction moves primary ownership and investment of this economic development project to a group of local citizens who have been intrigued and interested in the concept of establishing a locally run forensic laboratory. The group has made initial contact with the City Manager, and expects to submit a formal business plan to the Council in the near future. The group hopes to open operation soon but on a smaller scale than was originally envisioned by HIT-M. The HIT-M building located on Shepherd Ave. has been listed for sale, as the property will not be needed under the new business plan.

The HIT-M project has been in development for several years while various funding sources were explored. Most recently, the City of Kirksville submitted a CDBG grant on behalf of the HIT-M organization for a block grant to help fund the initial start-up expenses for the technology based business. The Missouri Department of Economic Development recently denied this application until further information could be submitted for consideration.

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