City will plan and design water system improvements
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 27, 2025 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $288,000 loan to the city of Mokane for planning and design work related to the city’s ongoing drinking water improvement project.
The loan will provide vital interim financing to cover early engineering and administrative costs while the city works with department to secure a larger loan and grant funding package for its drinking water project. The larger construction project is estimated to cost approximately $1.9 million and should start in 2026.
The early planning phases of infrastructure projects often represent a significant financial burden for cash-limited communities with water and wastewater needs. The Planning and Design Loan Program is designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive private financing that will allow communities to develop and deliver vital infrastructure projects for their citizens. These planning and design loans bear no interest and come with a five-year term. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers approximately $53,000 in interest.
“We are proud to offer qualified Missouri communities like Mokane funding assistance vehicles that can help them undertake water and wastewater improvement projects,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “We can tailor assistance programs for cities of all sizes so they can improve their treatment systems. This in turn helps protect public and environmental health, and improves the quality of life for Missourians.”
The 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 upgrades in treatment system security, efficiency and conservation. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project by a department project manager.
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.