It might seem like a far-fetched idea to some, but a woman from Galena says she has a plan for the future use of the Factory Merchants Mall in Branson.

Mona Miller is suggesting the City of Branson turn the mall into an Aquaponics Facility, a sustainable food production system that combines aqua-culture with hydro-ponics, producing organically grown food, as well as rearing pools that raise fish for human consumption.

Miller appeared before the Branson Board of Aldermen this week:

Mona Miller 2012A187  

Alderwoman Cris Bohinc responded to the idea:

Cris Bohinc 2012A188  

Miller told HometownDailyNews.com after the meeting that it would take an estimated 3-million dollars to start the Aquaponics Facility on the property near Highway 76 andGretna Road.  And while she didn’t have any capital to contribute, she said the city could apply for federal grants to help with the funding for the project.  Miller said once operational, the facility would create 300 year round jobs.

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A woman from Galena is asking the City of Bransonto turn the old Factory Merchants Mall into an Aquaponics Facility, an indoor greenhouse of sorts, able to grow organic food, as well as raise fish in rearing pools for human consumption.

Mona Miller appeared before the Branson Board of Aldermen this week.  While she said she didn’t have any start-up capital available, she thought the city could apply for federal grants to help pay the estimated 3-million dollars needed for the facility.   She said a project like this could create 300 year round jobs.

Mona Miller 2012A189

Simon Property Group paid the city 300-thousand dollars earlier this month to break a long term lease on the mall property near Highway 76 and Gretna Road.

Members of the Board thanked Miller for her presentation, saying ideas from the community are welcomed for the property.

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A woman from Galena is asking the City of Bransonto turn the old Factory Merchants Mall into an Aquaponics Facility, an indoor greenhouse of sorts, able to grow organic food, as well as raise fish in rearing pools for human consumption.

Mona Miller appeared before the Branson Board of Aldermen this week.  While she said she didn’t have any start-up capital available, she thought the city could apply for federal grants to help pay the estimated 3-million dollars needed for the facility.  Miller said a project like this could create 300 year round jobs.