Missouri to spend $266m on water projects

Gov. Nixon of Missouri

Water is a valuable commodity and as such, the state of Missouri is to spend $266 million on waste-water and drinking water improvements projects.

The plan, announced by Gov. Jay Nixon, will see several state communities divide the $266m amongst them to work on water schemes. $146 million of the money comes from federal stimulus packages, with the other $120 million coming from a state loan program.

Like Philadelphia before it, cities are realising that water conservation schemes are for good for the urban infrastructure, the environment and create jobs. With 35 cities and 17 communities receiving funds for drinking water construction projects, Gov. Nixon believes the schemes will be good for the state's infrastructure.

"Too many Missourians are currently out of work. We want them back on the job as quickly as possible, and that's why we are pulsing these funds into communities with instructions to put them promptly to use," Nixon said in a written statement.

Despite the governor's optimism, the number of jobs created from future projects is unknown.

Wave of projects

Amongst the schemes announced and sums awarded are Columbia, who received the most money, and is getting $67 million for a waste-water treatment plant, Blue Springs, who is getting $33.8 million, Kansas City is getting $23.9 million and the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is getting $11 million.

Communities generally received less money for drinking water projects. The largest shares were to Drexel and the Clarence Cannon Water Commission, which each received $4.4 million.

Travis Ford, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources, said the environmental agency evaluated communities' requests for money by examining factors such as reducing energy use and adopting innovative approaches.

Despite, the money seemingly being spread pretty thin, it is refreshing to see states realise the benefits of harnessing waste water and maintaining their water treatment systems.

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