Branson awarded $5M in state funding

The city of Branson was selected to receive the largest grant out of 29 issued by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Branson is slated to receive $5 million through the DED's Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Program to design and construct a new flood wall, according to a news release. The $18.8 million in statewide grants announced yesterday are designed to assist areas impacted by disasters.

“We want to build more resilient and prepared communities in order to protect the lives and livelihoods of Missourians," said Rob Dixon, DED director, in the release.

The funding for Branson specifically is earmarked for a 2,200-foot-long flood wall encompassing the Compton Drive Wastewater Treatment Plant. Branson officials previously have said the plant is at a major flood risk because of its location along Lake Taneycomo, according to a KY3 report from last year.

The DED also issued a $957,409 grant to the city of Mansfield, according to the release. The funding will allow the city to upgrade 10 stormwater conveyance sites and conduct bank stabilization and repairs to roadways.