The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $2.28 million in financial assistance to the Howard County Public Water Supply District No. 2 for upgrades to the district’s drinking water supply, storage, and distribution systems. The district expects the funding to cover the total cost of the project and anticipates it to be completed by May 2027.

Project funding consists of a $390,060 grant and a $1.89 million low-interest loan, both through the department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The loan is subject to $1.16 million in principal forgiveness. The department estimates its funding will save the city’s ratepayers $1.5 million in principal and approximately $315,000 in interest over the loan’s 20-year term.

“Funding from the department’s State Revolving Fund positively affects our communities, helping them grow and develop for years to come,” said Jake Buxton, director of the Department of Natural Resources.

The department’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems, and water storage and supply facilities. The fund also finances system interconnection and consolidation projects. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance a project manager provides throughout the project.

The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater, and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.