The North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission (NCMRWC) welcomed United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) officials from both Washington, D.C., headquarters and the State of Missouri for a tour of the Milan Water Treatment Plant on Wednesday, March 13, followed by a tour of the Roy Blunt Reservoir.
USDA officials toured the Water Treatment Plant, where first-phase enhancements totaling approximately $2 million are currently underway. These improvements will eventually serve the needs of up to 10 counties in North Central Missouri. In addition to water treatment plant enhancements and debt refinancing, USDA RD is aiding the Commission in replacing three additional open bond issues held by the Commission, as well as funding a portion of the Roy Blunt project. The bond financing elements will total more than $53.7 million in grants and loans. This critical assistance enables the Commission to stabilize and maintain affordable water rates.
Harve Rhodes, Chairman of NCMRWC, stated, “USDA RD really came through for North Central Missouri. Their critical assistance helped fill funding gaps that would have been a real challenge. This will help stabilize water rates and hopefully ensure no increases to finish the reservoir.”
Michele Brooks, Assistant Administrator for Water and Environmental Programs, stated, “Given the importance of this project for rural Missouri, it was important for us to see it in person. Sullivan County’s leadership and sacrifice for this regional water supply show the grit and determination of rural Missouri. Helping communities and counties like these in North Central Missouri is exactly what we do.”
Kyle Wilkens, Missouri Rural Development State Director, stated, “This project is a point of pride for those of us in Missouri and all of USDA Rural Development. Working to ensure local rural communities receive federal investment for necessary infrastructure is a major part of what we do – and I couldn’t be more proud of all those involved.”
Lawrence Allen, Water Plant Manager, stated, “These plant enhancements are absolutely critical. They addressed a great many deferred maintenance needs and will enable us to be more efficient in providing the highest quality water possible. I want to thank USDA RD and the engineers at Allstate for their support and guidance.”
