JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has given the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District a low-interest loan of $640 million, which will cover the cost for the district’s second phase of a project.
“This is a big win for our customers and St. Louis,” Bret Berthold, executive director of MSD Project Clear, said. “While immediate cost savings won’t be felt today, securing the SRF loan through the Department of Natural Resources will save MSD customers more than $400 million in interest payments over the next three decades. The Solids Management Upgrade Project is the largest project we’ve ever undertaken, and it will significantly improve air quality, reduce emissions, and support a healthier future for our region.”
Money will be used for the second phase of MSD’s project of improving air and water quality. This is completed through several hearth incinerators at Lemay and Bissell Point wastewater treatment facilities, fluidized bed incinerators that allow new air-emission requirements to be met, as well as a new sludge dewatering process and solid processing buildings at both facilities.
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund provided the money for the loan, and it is expected to save ratepayer’s over $400 million over the course of the 30-year term. Its purpose is to help facilitate these upgrades within the wastewater system, whether it be within the wastewater facility treatment centers, sewer collection extensions, or overflow corrections, along with security, efficiency, and conservation measures, according to a release.
“We are proud to provide MSD this record level of assistance for a massive wastewater project that will have such a positive impact for many years to come,” Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Dru Buntin said. “We have assistance programs for communities of all sizes so they can improve their water infrastructure. Our staff are available to assist communities with their funding application, and we can tailor a funding package to meet the individual community’s needs.”