DNR: Emergency Funds Available for Drinking Water Systems

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says that in response to Governor Parson’s Executive Order No 18-05, the agency is making emergency funding available for drought-impacted publicly owned community water systems.

The funding comes from the DNR's Financial Assistance Center. Public systems that serve fewer than 10,000 people and are within the drought alert area designated in the Executive Order are eligible to qualify for grant and low-interest loans.

The emergency program provides financial assistance to eligible communities experiencing the loss or potential loss of critical drinking water services or facilities due to drought.

The DNR has a limited amount of funding available for emergency projects. The department says it will prioritize projects that address the most urgent short-term threat to safe drinking water supplies and the financial need of the applicant.

Funded projects must be a construction project for repair, replacement or improvement of failed or inadequate infrastructure, construction of a temporary or permanent connection or construction intended to improve capacity, according to a press release from MoDNR.

“Department staff are ready to assist communities with critical supply needs to help them get the funds quickly,” said Hannah Humphrey, director of the department’s Financial Assistance Center. “This will ensure systems can continue to provide safe drinking water for Missouri citizens.”

The application deadline is August 9, by 5:00 p.m.

For more information, call 573-751-1192 or visit dnr.mo.gov.