Attraction In St Louis Mo

Fatal Attraction: Politicians and 'Eco-Devo'

There is something about big, splashy economic development (“eco-devo”) projects that causes even the most conservative politicians to lose their heads. On the stump, they rail against corporate giveaways and crony capitalism. In town halls, they decry backroom deals, preferential treatment, and earmarks. In practice, though, they just cannot resist the urge to spend taxpayer money on new stadiums, shopping malls, and other civic boondoggles that will supposedly jump-start economic activity and lead to massive job creation.

So, welcome to Saint Louis! Could I interest you in some empty storage space — and a chance to get in on the ground floor in building an aerial super-highway linking China and the American Midwest?

Legislators in Missouri have given their support to an enormous tax credit bill that would subsidize the construction of $300 million worth of warehouses in and around Lambert–St. Louis International Airport. Another $60 million in tax breaks would go to freight forwarders for the transportation of international cargo. “It’s kind of a high-yield, job-producing incentive,” said Missouri state senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican and self-described conservative, as reported by the Associated Press. “It gives St. Louis a place in international trade that we don’t have.”

According to proponents, the creation of an “Aerotropolis” — a theoretical airport-centered city of the future — would create thousands of new jobs in and around the city’s airport. Never mind that there are already more than 18 million square feet of unused warehouse space around the airport. And never mind that it was only a dozen years ago that the city of Saint Louis splurged in building a third runway — at a cost of more than a billion dollars — that is virtually unused today. That was another eco-devo project that failed to deliver promised jobs and economic activity. It also led to the condemnation and destruction of more than 2,000 homes under eminent domain.

Michael Webber, a consultant with long experience in the international shipping industry, debunks almost all of the claims made for the Aerotropolis, saying that Saint Louis “has adequate on-airport capacity (existing facilities or unimproved land) to host adequate air cargo facilities to support the unlikely maximum of 8 projected weekly freighters,” the number expected to be facilitated by the legislation.

St. Louis, Kansas City in Missouri Still Vacation - LowFares.com

, April saw the most tornadoes in the country on record, with April 26-28 having the largest tornado outbreak on record, including the tornadoes in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. Though “Tornado Alley” has always had a reputation for just these kinds of storms, this part of the country offers so much more in tourist attractions and destinations. If you were planning on venturing in to this part of the country, your plans may be put on hold in light of the recent tornado outbreak. Missouri and the surrounding areas will likely see a drop in tourism this summer, and while these storms are nothing to shrug at, you shouldn’t let them ruin your future plans.

has long been known as a major epicenter in the Midwest, earning the nick name “Gateway to the West” for early travelers. Now, visitors go to St. Louis to see its sprawling metropolitan area and its defining landmark, the Gateway Arch. St. Louis is also home to some of the most scenic parks, including Forest Park (which is bigger than New York City’s Central Park) as well as Missouri Botanical Gardens. Plus, Busch Stadium where the St. Louis Cardinals play is a major draw for baseball fans. Shared with Kansas, another major Missouri city worth visiting is Kansas City . Home of the Chiefs, Royals, and some great barbeque, it also boasts the fact that they have more fountains than anywhere else in the world after Rome, Italy.

Three hours to the southeast lies one of Missouri’s most beautiful and natural tourist destinations, Lake of the Ozarks. Situated in the stunning , Lake of the Ozarks has everything you could want from a lake: boating, swimming, fishing, and more. Public beaches at Lake of the Ozarks were closed recently after some water samples raised concern, so check the status before venturing there. For those looking for adventure in the outdoors, Mark Twain State Park is another popular destination, offering hiking, boating, and camping.

Before traveling to these destinations, always check the weather forecast.

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