State of Missouri

08/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/29/2024 08:55

Department of Natural Resources awards nearly $3.5 million in assistanc…

City will make wastewater system improvements

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 29, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded nearly $3.5 million in financial assistance to the city of Mayview for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The project is estimated to total over $4.1 million and should be completed by November 2025.

In addition to extensive upgrades to the treatment system, the project will also include refinancing the city's refunded bonds that were issued to finance project design costs. The project is expected to result in improved water quality and will extend the wastewater system's life and efficiency so that it can continue to serve the city well into the future.

Project funding consists of a nearly $1.4 million low-interest loan, and a nearly $2.1 million grant through the department's Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This funding provided by the department is estimated to save the city's ratepayers more than $2 million in principal and approximately $704,000 interest payments over the loan's 30-year term. The city will also receive a $652,500 Community Development Block Grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

"Strong communities make a strong state of Missouri, and every community must have effective water infrastructure to grow and thrive," said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. "This funding helps communities like Mayview improve drinking water and wastewater systems to better serve Missourians every day."

"One of our priorities is helping Missouri communities maintain and improve their water and wastewater treatment systems," said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "One way we do that is by offering a variety of financial assistance programs through which we can help qualified communities upgrade key infrastructures and improve the quality of life for Missourians."

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection systems' rehabilitation and extensions and combined sewer overflow corrections. The fund also finances security, efficiency and conservation measures. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a department project manager.

The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.