Wastewater improvements in Seneca get funding
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, Aug. 18, 2010 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded Seneca in Newton County a $4.2 million state direct loan and $2.4 million in grants to improve its wastewater treatment system.
The wastewater treatment system improvement project will include construction of a new mechanical wastewater treatment facility adjacent to the existing lagoon facility. The new facility consists of an influent lift station, flow equalization basins, a mechanical bar screen, a manual bar screen, a grit chamber, a grit removal system, two aeration basins, two clarifiers, two aerobic digesters, an ultraviolet disinfection system, a cascade aerator and all appurtenances.
"This investment in Seneca's wastewater collection and treatment system not only protects public health and the environment by helping the community meet state and federal water quality standards, it also positions Seneca for future growth," said Mark N. Templeton, director of the Department of Natural Resources.
The interest rate on the loan will be approximately 2 percent, which is substantially below current market conditions. The grant funding will take the form of a $2 million state 40 percent construction grant and a $400,000 rural sewer grant.
The project is estimated to cost $7.1 million and is expected to be completed in January 2012. The city will provide additional matching funds to pay for the project.
The department sold $50 million in bonds in November 2007. The sale of the bonds allows the department to provide the city of Seneca with the loan and grant funds to support the Clean Water Initiative for water and wastewater improvements. The Department of Natural Resources' Water Protection Program will administer the grant and loan funds.
The department is committed to working closely with communities to assist with funding efforts that support water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects as well as provide a financial savings.
For more information, contact the department's Water Protection Program, Financial Assistance Center, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-1192.
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