$4.8M Wastewater Treatment Grant Awarded to Pilot Grove, Missouri

MO DNR Environmental Newsroom

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected March 31st, 2026

Summary

MO DNR awarded $4.8 million in financial assistance to Pilot Grove, MO for wastewater treatment system upgrades through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The funding includes a $2 million loan and $2.76 million grant, with the city contributing nearly $700,000 and securing an additional $750,000 Community Development Block Grant. Project completion is targeted for May 2027.

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What changed

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $4.8 million in financial assistance to the city of Pilot Grove for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The project, totaling $6.28 million, is designed to improve water quality in Petite Saline Creek by reducing pollutants and untreated discharges. Funding consists of $2 million in loans and $2.76 million in grants through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, with the department estimating $1.5 million in savings for ratepayers over the 30-year loan term.

This is a grant award announcement rather than a regulatory requirement. Affected municipalities and water utilities should note this as an example of available funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for wastewater infrastructure improvements. No compliance action is required by regulated entities. The project is expected to be completed by May 2027.

What to do next

Review Clean Water State Revolving Fund eligibility criteria if similar infrastructure funding is needed
Note the funding structure as a model for future wastewater infrastructure grant applications
Track project milestones for Petite Saline Creek water quality improvements

Source document (simplified)

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

City will make wastewater treatment improvements

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 31, 2026 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $4.8 million in financial assistance to the city of Pilot Grove for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The city estimates the project will total $6.28 million and expects to complete it by May 2027.

When complete, the project is designed to improve water quality in Petite Saline Creek by reducing pollutants and untreated discharges to the creek.

Project funding consists of a $2 million loan and a $2.76 million grant through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The city is also using nearly $700,000 in city funds and has secured a Community Development Block Grant for $750,000. The department estimates that its funding will save the city’s ratepayers approximately $1.5 million in interest over the loan’s 30-year term.

“While we often take them for granted, adequate water and wastewater infrastructure are critical to every Missourian’s quality of life and the sustainability of communities and industries throughout the state,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “We will continue to fund upgrades to water infrastructure across Missouri to keep residents healthy and to preserve our state’s water resources while keeping customers’ bills affordable.”

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.