The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grants to the city of Exeter to evaluate its wastewater systems.

The grant offers funding to qualified communities to help cover engineering costs for evaluating wastewater system improvements. Exeter, one of two cities awarded alongside Park Hills, will use the grant to identify wastewater system improvements needed to meet permit requirements, continue reliable service to the area and reduce stormwater infiltration into sewer collection pipes.

Both cities’ improvement plans should be complete in March 2025.

“Infrastructures such as wastewater systems are crucial to every community,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Through this grant, we can help communities like Exeter and Park Hills identify the changes needed to maintain and improve their wastewater systems. In turn, this will help protect public and environmental health and help improve the quality of life for Missourians.”

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, people may visit dnr.mo.gov/water/ business-industry-other-entities/ financial-opportunities/ financial-assistance-center.