Governor Blunt's Clean Water Initiative Provides $440,000 Grant to Buffalo for Wastewater System Improvements

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 16, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


JEFFERSON CITY- Gov. Matt Blunts Clean Water Initiative and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are providing a $442,192 grant to the city of Buffalo in Dallas County. The city will use the funds for improvements to the existing wastewater treatment system in order to meet more stringent permit conditions.

"The Clean Water Initiative is designed to help Missouri communities meet their water needs by supplying needed funding for infrastructure and safe drinking water improvements," Gov. Blunt said.

Gov. Blunts Clean Water Initiative is administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Water Protection Program and is limited to counties, municipalities, and water or sewer districts. The department has initially allocated the $50 million in funds as follows:

 $16 million for 40 percent State Construction grants for wastewater related projects,

 $12 million for rural sewer grants targeted for rural and special needs communities,

 $12 million for rural drinking water projects

 $10 million in direct loans for water or wastewater projects, including planning loans for wastewater facilities.

The grant funds come from a $50 million bond sale in November of 2007, which funded Gov. Blunts Clean Water Initiative for water improvements. The funds will be used in conjunction with a Department of Natural Resources State Revolving Fund loan.

The Buffalo project is estimated to cost $3,676,701 and is expected to be completed in April 2010.