State grant helps with Sparta improvements

Sparta officials, already dealing with growth on many fronts, got some welcome news July 27 from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The DED has awarded Sparta a $500,000 grant to help pay for updates and improvements to the city's wastewater plant.

The grant was awarded through the Community Development Block Grant program, according to a DED news release. The money will be used to increase capacity and efficiency of the plant.

"The CDBG program offers smaller communities the opportunity to make infrastructure improvements that they otherwise may not be able to afford," DED Director Kelvin L. Simmons said in the news release.

"We are pleased to be assisting Sparta on this important project that will not only improve quality of life, but may also lead to economic development opportunities," he added

Sparta's current wastewater system is at 80 percent capacity and cannot accommodate expected growth (see related story in SBJ's July 12 issue). Community officials will install a new treatment facility and pumping station and new controls, pipes, mains and other necessary equipment.

CDBG funds are provided by federal sources and administered by the state of Missouri. Funds will be released to Sparta as program requirements are met.

The program provides similar economic development grants and loans to cities with a population less than 50,000 and counties less than 200,000.

Water and wastewater grants fund construction for water treatment and distribution or sewer treatment and collection for publicly owned systems.