SWC Water System To Get Update

COLUMBIA — The Department of Agriculture Rural Development state director for Missouri Jeff Case, announced that the USDA is investing $2.228 million to modernize the city of Southwest City’s water system.

“Modernizing the infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water to rural Missourians is vital to the public health, economic development and prosperity of the state’s small towns and cities,” said Case. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Missouri in building stronger and healthier communities, like Southwest City, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

USDA is providing the city of Southwest City a $ 1.554 million loan and $674,000 grant through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. The funding will be used to make improvements to the city’s entire water production, treatment and distribution system as its aging water tower, distribution lines and equipment are not able to effectively or efficiently serve Southwest City’s citizens.

Improvements include replacing five miles of water distribution lines and line looping to reduce the water loss experienced by the system, construction of a new well, and taking an older well and water tower out of service. Additionally, the installation of new flush hydrants, all- new meter sets, and an interconnect to a neighboring water district are also included in this project. When complete, the improvements will provide a safer and more reliable system for all residents in Southwest City.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities, and high-speed internet access in rural areas.