Department of Natural Resources awards $6.6 million in assistance to Au…

City will make wastewater treatment system improvements

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 16, 2024 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $6.6 million in financial assistance to the city of Aurora for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The funding will cover the project's entire estimated cost, with the improvements estimated to be completed by June 2026.

When completed, the project is expected to help prevent washout during peak wastewater flow events and will extend the life and efficiency of the wastewater system so that it can continue serving the city well into the future.

Project funding consists of a $4.6 million low-interest loan and a $2 million grant, both through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the city's ratepayers $2 million in principal and approximately $1.6 million in interest over the loan's 20-year term.

"Missouri communities must have reliable, up-to-date infrastructure, if they are to grow and thrive," said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. "Maintenance and updates to systems like those that treat drinking water and wastewater can be very expensive, but we are committed to being good partners with our local communities to help ensure they succeed."

"One of our priorities is helping Missouri communities maintain and improve their drinking water and wastewater treatment systems," said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "One way we do that is by offering a variety of financial assistance programs through which we can help qualified communities upgrade key infrastructure, which in turn improves the quality of life for Missourians."

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 upgrades in treatment system security, efficiency and conservation. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project by a department project manager.

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.