FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Department of Natural Resources awards nearly $24 million to Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 23, 2019 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded nearly $24 million in financial assistance to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District to construct an additional sewer line to relieve overloading of the existing sewer and eliminate five constructed sanitary sewer overflow sites. The project is estimated to cost a total of $62.5 million and is expected to be completed by spring 2024.
The improvement project will encompass 2.6 miles of relief trunk sewer and approximately 0.6 miles of ancillary sewers. The project is expected to reduce sanitary sewer overflows by increasing capacity to handle peak flow events, and it will extend the life and efficiency of the wastewater system so it can continue to serve the district well into the future.
"Water is one of the basic necessities of life, and providing clean water is crucial to the wellbeing of every Missouri community," said Governor Mike Parson. "However, some of our water and wastewater infrastructure is showing signs of its age. We simply must invest in upgrading and effectively maintaining these systems to ensure our communities have the clean water they need to thrive."
The project funding consists of a $24 million Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan and a $38.6 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund provides funding opportunities to communities with infrastructure needs for water quality, wastewater and drinking water. The combined funding package is estimated to save the district’s ratepayers approximately $8 million in interest costs over the loan’s 20-year term. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will be responsible for funding any ineligible costs and cost overruns.
"Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support the health and economic vitality of a community," said Carol Comer, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "We are committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects."
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 through the Department, visit dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/srf/index.html.