JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 13, 2020 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $62,500 each to the cities of East Prairie and Winfield in financial assistance to study the feasibility of developing regional sewer connections. East Prairie will study connecting its wastewater system to nearby Anniston and Winfield will consider connecting its system to the Whispering Wind Mobile Home Park. Provided through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Regionalization Incentive Grant program, each grant will fund 100% of the feasibility study costs. Both study reports are expected to be completed by April 2021.
The department’s Regionalization Incentive Grant is a competitive grant program that offers funding to municipalities as an incentive to construct connections for small, struggling facilities. The entities responsible for these small facilities often lack the financial and technical resources to upgrade their wastewater treatment facilities to meet more stringent limits and operate appropriately. These facilities typically serve such a small number of connections that the cost to comply with permit conditions is a significant financial challenge for the users.
"This grant is designed to facilitate regional partnerships that would not be possible otherwise," said Carol Comer, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support community health and economic vitality. This grant will help communities develop infrastructure that will improve water quality and offer a local economic boost."
The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. These projects will be funded wholly with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit https://dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/financial-opportunities/financial-assistance-center..