JEFFERSON CITY, MO, Nov. 10, 2023 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for Abandoned Well Plugging grants from eligible public water systems now through April 30, 2024.
The grant offers up to $20,000 per project to properly plug abandoned wells that are located near or within service areas of certain public water systems. If not plugged properly, abandoned wells pose a physical hazard to people and wildlife. Abandoned wells also are potential routes for contamination of groundwater, the primary source of drinking water for over 80% of Missouri’s public water systems.
Community and not-for-profit non-community public water systems with at least one active or emergency well are eligible to apply for reimbursement funding through this program. Project selection is competitive and priority consideration will be given to applications received before Dec. 31, 2023. Applications received from Jan.1 through April 30, 2024, may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis if available funds remain.
Applicants may apply online via the department’s Funding Opportunities Portal at dnr.mo.gov/financial-opportunities/funding-portal/access-request. A fully executed financial assistance agreement between the project applicant and the department is required prior to incurring project-related costs.
The department is committed to helping Missouri communities protect their drinking water sources and protect human health. Abandoned water wells must be plugged properly to protect groundwater resources and to protect the health and economic vitality of Missouri communities. Funding for the department’s Abandoned Well Plugging Grant program comeswholly or in part from monies received through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information, please visit the Abandoned Well Plugging Grant webpage at dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/financial-assistance-opportunities/abandoned-well-plugging-grant.