City will make wastewater system improvements
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 15, 2026 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $4.38 million in financial assistance to the city of Benton for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The city expects to complete the project by March 2027.
Benton’s wastewater system improvements project is focused on enhancing both the wastewater collection and treatment facility to ensure long-term reliability and regulatory compliance. The collection system upgrades target inflow and infiltration to decrease the amount of groundwater entering the system.
Project funding consists of a $2.88 million loan and a $1.5 million grant through the department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The department estimates its funding will save the city’s ratepayers $1.5 million in principal and approximately $1.1 million in interest over the loan’s 20-year term.
“Improving water infrastructure across the state is essential for building safe and healthy Missouri communities,” said Jake Buxton, director of the Department of Natural Resources.
The department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection system 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 a department project manager’s assistance throughout the project.
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 Missouri Department of Natural Resources State Revolving Fund (SRF).
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