DNR approves $1.35M grant for Branson West

Gov. Matt Blunt announced Jan. 27 that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will provide the grant through State Water Pollution Bond Funds and a capitalization grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Branson West is the site of the $1.3 billion Indian Ridge Resort, which broke ground last week and should be complete by 2011. Resort plans include housing for up to 7,800 residents year-round, compared to the city's current population of less than 500.

“This is an area that is seeing tremendous growth, and it is vital for the environment and the economy that the wastewater treatment infrastructure keeps pace,” Blunt said in a news release.

The city will use the grant funds to construct a phosphorus removal facility at its wastewater treatment plant. The system will help maintain the clarity and health of streams receiving the treated water and of Table Rock Lake, where the water eventually flows.

The project is estimated to cost about $2.21 million, according to the release, and will be complete in February 2007. The city will use the state grant along with local funds and other grant funds.