Gov. Matt Blunt lauded the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for answering his charge to apply available technology to improve customer service. The Department has received national recognition for their innovative Internet program, called Permit Assistant.
"We continue to make state government services more accessible and easy to use and I applaud the Department of Natural Resources for answering my call to make it easier than ever before for Missouri's businesses and communities to protect our natural resources," Blunt said. "With these improvements we are better serving Missouri businesses, communities and citizens."
"States have stepped up to solve many of the nation's environmental problems, such as climate issues, control of new contaminants, and air quality," said Steve Brown, executive director of the Environmental Council of the States. "Missouri's Permit Assistant is yet another fine example of state leadership."
The Department of Natural Resources developed the program in coordination with the Information Technology Services Division in the Office of Administration and tested the application online with many customers and in small focus groups.
"This reflects the governor's and the department's way of doing business, with an increased emphasis on customer service and bringing departmental resources closer to the citizens we serve," said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. "With an increasing number of permits and more federal requirements to respond to in a timely manner, we must work smarter rather than use more hands to do the work."
Other recent compliance assistance and customer service improvements in the Department of Natural Resources include a redesigned Internet site, improvements to the permitting process, online manuals, the addition of several new satellite offices and the Ombudsman Program.
