Communities will evaluate wastewater system improvements
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 8, 2025 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report grants to the communities of Belle and Hartsburg to evaluate their wastewater treatment systems.
Through its Clean Water Engineering Report Grant Program, the department offers funding to qualified communities to help with evaluating public wastewater system improvements. Both communities will use the funding to identify improvements that will enable their systems to continue meeting water quality standards and providing reliable service. Belle will also identify ways to reduce stormwater infiltration into sewer collection pipes. Belle’s facility plan should be complete in December 2026, while Hartsburg’s plan should be complete by January 2027.
“Funding from Missouri’s State Revolving Fund positively affects our communities and it will help them grow and develop for years to come,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources.
Wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support a community’s health and economic vitality. Through this grant, qualified communities can thoroughly assess their wastewater treatment systems and identify improvements for better service. During the assessment, communities can determine what actions are needed to address current needs and plan for future growth and development.
The 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 dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.