Department of Natural Resources awards $4.59 million to Monett…

City will improve wastewater system

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, OCT. 2, 2025 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $4.59 million in financial assistance to the city of Monett for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The project is estimated to cost $5.7 million and is expected to be completed by October 2026.

The project will address reliability issues with the wastewater treatment plant's aeration equipment. The project is expected to improve nutrient removal and will extend the wastewater system's life and efficiency so it can continue serving the city well into the future.

Project funding consists of a $4.59 million loan and $1.1 million in local funds. The department's funding is estimated to save the city's ratepayers approximately $1.90 million in interest over the loan's 20-year term.

"Reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential to the sustainability of communities and industries of all sizes across the state, as well as to the quality of life for all Missourians," said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources.

The department's Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection system rehabilitation and extensions, and combined sewer overflow corrections. The fund also finances security, efficiency and conservation measures. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from a department project manager's assistance throughout the project.

The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.