JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 14, 2026 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of Sparta to evaluate the city's wastewater system.

Through its Clean Water Engineering Report Grant program, the department offers funding to qualified communities to help with evaluating public wastewater system improvements. Sparta will use its grant to identify wastewater system improvements needed to continue reliable service to the area, meet permit requirements and reduce stormwater infiltration into sewer collection pipes. The facility plan should be complete in June 2027.

Water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support the health and economic vitality of a community. Through the grant, communities like Sparta can thoroughly assess their wastewater treatment systems and identify needed improvements for better efficiency, effectiveness and service. During the assessment, communities can determine what actions are needed to address current wastewater needs, as well as plan for future growth and development.
"While we often take it for granted, adequate water and wastewater infrastructure is critical to the quality of life of every Missourian, as well as the sustainability of communities and industries throughout the state," said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources.

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.