Springfield, Ozark receive funding for water treatment

The loans are available through the state revolving fund, a Missouri Department of Natural Resources program that provides subsidized, low-interest loans to communities and public water and sewer districts. The average interest rate on the wastewater bonds was 1.34 percent after the program’s 70 percent interest subsidy is applied.

The loans are used to construct water and wastewater treatment facilities, improve infrastructure and comply with environmental regulations.

“These improvements to drinking water and treatment facilities help communities provide safe drinking water and maintain high quality water in their streams and lakes,” said Gov. Matt Blunt in a news release.

The program is 80 percent funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and 20 percent funded by the state. To date, it has financed $1.8 billion in construction.

Other cities receiving funding are Ashland, Ironton, Kirksville, Linn, Osage Beach, Raytown, Richland, Seneca, Warrensburg and Washburn.