Grant money pushes city of Bloomfield sewer project forward

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — The city of Bloomfield will receive nearly $4.8 million in federal money for wastewater treatment improvements expected to start by early spring 2019.

A $2.8 million loan and a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will improve the treatment and collection of the city’s wastewater.

This is the first major upgrade in many years for the system, said city clerk Kari Standley.

A rate increase will likely be needed to fund repayment of the loan, but the details have not been finalized, she said. These decisions will be made by the city, on the advice of the USDA, before the project starts, Standley said.

The city is working with Smith and Company Engineers of Poplar Bluff to finalize the design of the improvements. This needs to be selected before the length of time for construction can be determined, Standley said.

The city plans to modify its current three-cell lagoon, to a four-cell lagoon, according to a press release from USDA. Improvements will also be made to collection lines and lift stations.

The wastewater treatment system serves 714 customers, mostly with residential connections.

This is part of a $267 million investment by USDA in 103 infrastructure projects to upgrade water and wastewater systems in rural communities.

Money from the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program is being spent in 35 states. The funds can be used to finance drinking water, storm water drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

Bloomfield has just over 1,900 residents.