Missouri Department of Natural Resources Awards $1.7 Million for Wastewater System Upgrades

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $1.7 million to the city of Unionville for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The project, estimated to cost nearly $1.8 million, aims to consolidate wastewater flows from two facilities and meet new effluent permit limitations. The upgrades will extend the system's life and efficiency, allowing it to serve the city well into the future. The funding consists of a $718,000 low-interest loan and a $1 million grant through the department's Clean Water State Revolving Fund, along with $43,987 in local funding.

Key Takeaways:

• The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $1.7 million to the city of Unionville for wastewater system upgrades, with a project cost of nearly $1.8 million.
• The upgrades will consolidate wastewater flows from two facilities and meet new effluent permit limitations, extending the system's life and efficiency.
• The funding consists of a $718,000 low-interest loan, a $1 million grant through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and $43,987 in local funding.
• The project is expected to be completed by February 2027 and will generate cost savings for the city's ratepayers, with an estimated $1 million in principal and approximately $320,000 in interest saved over a 20-year loan term.
• Kurt Schaefer, Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, emphasized the department's commitment to funding upgrades to wastewater infrastructure across Missouri to preserve water resources while keeping customers' utility bills affordable.
• 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, providing below-market interest rates and project manager assistance throughout the project.

Statistics:

• $1,700,000: the amount awarded by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for wastewater system upgrades.
• $1,799,987: the estimated total project cost.
• $718,000: the amount of the low-interest loan.
• $1,000,000: the amount of the grant through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
• $43,987: the amount of local funding.
• $1,000,000: the estimated savings in principal over the 20-year loan term.
• $320,000: the estimated savings in interest over the 20-year loan term.
• 20 years: the term of the low-interest loan.
• February 2027: the estimated completion date of the project.

Sources:

• Missouri Department of Natural Resources news release, October 22, 2025.