DNR awards $2.4 million to Pineville to upgrade drinking water system

(From the Missouri Department of Natural Resources)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded nearly $2.4 million in financial assistance to the city of Pineville for upgrades to its drinking water systems. The project is expected to cost nearly $2.6 million and is anticipated to be completed by December 2024.

The improvement project includes adding a special process to remove radioactive particles from the city’s currently inactive Mountain Ridge Well so it can be safely returned to service and constructing a new 200,000-gallon water tower. 

When the upgrades are complete, Pineville will have a modern, well-functioning drinking water system that will continue providing its citizens safe drinking water well into the future.

Project funding consists of a nearly $1.8 million grant and a $594,000 loan through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. $183,283 will come from other sources. The department-provided provided funding is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers nearly $1.8 million in principal and approximately $204,000 in interest over the loan’s 20-year term.

“Individuals and communities alike depend on clean, abundant drinking water to survive and thrive,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Keeping public water systems current and operating effectively can be expensive, so we want to do all we can to help our communities plan and fund upgrades to such crucial services.”

“We believe very strongly in helping Missouri communities maintain their drinking water systems,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “One of the ways we do that is by providing tailored financial assistance to qualified communities through programs like the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. This helps protect public and environmental health, and improve the quality of life for Missourians.”

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

The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information about drinking water and wastewater funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/financial-opportunities/financial-assistance-center.