Republic gets $25m from state for major sewer issues

Years out of compliance, money will help city correct decades-old mistake
 
The city of Republic will receive several million dollars to put towards improvements of its wastewater system, thanks to a piece of state legislation recently signed into law. Gov. Mike Parson signed Missouri House Bill 3022 into law, minus the parts of the bill he struck with his line-item veto, on Thursday, June 30, which, among other provisions, appropriated the funds for the city.

Upgrades will bring city’s wastewater system into compliance with the Clean Water Act
Jennafer Mayfield, interim public information officer for Republic, said the projects are necessary to bring the city into compliance with federal law.
“The city’s need for capital improvements for wastewater is not related to growth,” she said. “The need stems from a 2011 Compliance Order from (the Missouri Department of Natural Resources) related to discharge of stormwater in runoff events. The costs of the improvements today with the newest requirements of the Clean Water Act require significant investment to meet those water quality standards for wastewater treatment. Additionally, in 2001 Republic voters chose to locate the (wastewater treatment) plant on the north side of the city, which requires a very complex system of pumping to get the wastewater back up hill to the (plant) and was non-compliant the day it was built. This investment today will correct those issues and set the city up for the foreseeable future for both compliance and growth.”

Additional funding being secured
The total cost of the six projects is $150 million. Mayfield said the money from the state will pay for three of projects and is arranging for additional funds to take care of the rest.
“These funds cover smaller pieces of the overall need,” she said. “The city of Republic will fund three of the six projects with these funds directly. The city has also secured $45 million in bonds to match the (American Rescue Plan Act, or) ARPA grant funds which is required to receive them. The city will continue to pursue additional ARPA monies to fund the remainder of the projects. To fund the match, the city was required to raise rates to fund this debt. The ARPA funds are directly reducing the burden to the ratepayer.”

State lawmakers credited with securing the funding for the city
Mayfield cited several state lawmakers whom she said were instrumental in securing the $25 million for the city.
“On the House side (of the Missouri General Assembly), Jered Taylor and Curtis Trent were huge supporters from the very beginning and were vital to the success of our efforts. Local Representative Bishop Davidson also was a voice for the city in these efforts. Through the Senate, Lincoln Hough played a large role, and we had support from Senator Burlison, as well.  We also had support throughout from Cody Smith, Dirk Deaton, Doug Richey, Bill Owen, Jay Wasson, Alex Riley, John Black, Scott Cupps and Craig Fishel.”
Missouri State Rep. Curtis Trent said he supported the legislation to reduce the taxpayers’ burden of funding projects like the wastewater system upgrades.
“I support infrastructure projects needed for economic development and quality of life improvements in our area,” he said. “By funding critical infrastructure projects using federal relief funds, House Bill 3020 will also help reduce the cost to local taxpayers.”