Investment to Improve Wastewater System for more than 600 Rural Missourians
COLUMBIA, MO, Oct. 14, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Missouri Acting State Director D Clark Thomas announced that the USDA is investing $1,950,000 to Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Gasconade County to improve its wastewater treatment system.
“USDA Rural Development offers many programs that are focused on improving the quality of life for rural Missourians,” said Thomas. “The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program offers affordable financing to improve water and wastewater systems for rural communities which not only provides for more reliable systems for rural Missourians but also helps improve the area’s local economy. The project announced today will provide an updated, reliable wastewater treatment system for all Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Gasconade County customers.”
USDA is providing the Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Gasconade County a $920,000 loan and $1,030,000 grant through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program to improve its wastewater lagoon treatment system. The district’s original wastewater treatment and collection system was constructed in 1966; while the district has completed many upgrades to the collection system, the treatment system currently needs to be improved. The enhancements are needed to continue to ensure compliance with Missouri Department of Natural Resources final effluent limits. Planned improvements include a twin channel oxidation ditch with UV disinfection and new headworks, lift station, sludge holding basin, clarifiers, and a testing building. When complete, the upgraded wastewater treatment system will benefit 634 rural Missourians in the district’s service area.
Today’s announcement comes as part of a larger, nationwide announcement from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack where he announced the USDA is investing $272 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure for 270,000 people living in rural communities across 37 states and Puerto Rico.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas.
Contact USDA Rural Development
Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/mo, by calling (573) 876-0976, or by emailing RDMissouri@usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development has 25 offices across the state to serve the 2.2 million residents living in rural Missouri. Office locations include a state office in Columbia, along with local offices in Butler, Charleston, Chillicothe, Clinton, Dexter, Eldon, Farmington, Higginsville, Houston, Kennett, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Moberly, Neosho, New London, Poplar Bluff, Richmond, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Troy, and West Plains.
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